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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
- 24
- 25
- 26
Chapter 25 - Settling Illium
Sunday 22nd January 2017
------
Seliha and Adastra had awoken early after their early night. Sam was still seemingly trying to sleep off the headache and so stayed asleep. The two Asari got dressed and made their way out of the room quietly to go and find some breakfast. Seliha walks into the kitchen ahead of Adastra to find no one is around yet. "I am guessing that you discussed last night what we should do today?" Seliha idly asking Adastra as she plucks a bowl from the cupboard.
"Well the only things we need to do is get a few things from Nos Astra and possibly make a trip to Eternity."
"When I have been on Illium before I have tended to go to Eternity on weekends given it is practically dead during the week."
"I was thinking that might be the case. We also had a small issue with the commandos not believing you had the same condition as I have. Sam was going to ask you if they could see one of your ankles just to prove you have markings."
"Only if I can make it a different colour first."
"I do not see it making any difference if it is the wrong colour. I have green left which I think would make your markings brown." Seliha smiles and nods.
"As long as you do not use any on us then I have no problem with that decision." Fosanta walks into the kitchen area where Adastra and Seliha were snacking. Kate did not take long to appear either.
"You seem to be getting along well with Sam Seliha." Kate noting the fact that they connected the previous evening and had a shower together.
"Kate, melding for information only implies a level of trust, nothing more." Kate looks unconvinced as Seliha turns to Adastra. "Also unless something was to happen I do not think it could ever go further." Seliha didn't look unhappy at that but certainly had no real smile.
"What go further?" Sam stretching his arms as he goes to take a seat, seemingly still a little sleepy.
"You seem to be getting on well with Seliha Sam."
"You make it sound like it is a problem Kate." Everyone stays quiet. "It was a friendly shower and the blue ones were very respectful. The connection was just to teach Seliha English since she is staying with us a while. I cannot see there being any problem here or am I missing something?" Sam looking a little quizzically at Adastra.
"You do not think there is a problem?" Kate still seemed to be digging for information as the three Asari stand there with no obvious hints that everything is ok.
"As I stated Kate, I can see no problems, if you think there is one at least tell me what it is." Sam was a little annoyed at this cryptic message business.
"Sam I do not agree with you essentially dating two women at once."
"That is clearer now Kate even though you know what I was told." Sam sighs. "Could I have a talk with you two?" Adastra and Seliha nod and follow Sam to the basement. The three of them descend the stairs and Sam finds a suitably strong box to sit on.
"What is it you need to ask Sam?" Adastra wanting to get this settled as quickly as possible.
"I have only one question. Do you two think it is a problem?" Seliha looks at Adastra, both shake their heads and smile.
"No Sam. You have always been there when I have needed you. I hope I can do the same for you."
"I know we have only known each other for a few days but you have already welcomed me warmly into everything you and Adastra have done. If you do not wish me to be there then I understand."
"Seliha, I need to warn you about some advice I received first. I got told I must be careful not to be blinded or I will not appreciate the dim flicker. Now I have no real problem at all with sleeping together and messing around with the coloured gel but, I would like to keep my eye open for that flicker."
"So you would like to be separate Sam?" Adastra sounding a little down.
"All I wish to have Adastra is the freedom to make my decision as to who I wish to be with when I feel ready to do so. Given that do either of you have any problem with just being best friends?"
"Would you have a problem with myself and Adastra ever being bondmates Sam?" Seliha seemingly seeing an opportunity.
"As long as you are still around then I would have no issues with it. Do you feel this would work ok Adastra?"
"Actually it would be better than each of us having two bondmates as that tends to end badly. I perfectly understand where you are coming from Sam." Sam nods.
"I have actually forgotten to ask in all this chaos when your birthday is Adastra, I hope it has not already gone."
"It is Friday Sam." Sam breaths a sigh of relief and his expression grows happier.
"I am glad that I have not missed your birthday. I must ask you Seliha, how this will work with Adastra if you have to go back to Thessia in three months time."
"I had not thought about that." She seems to ponder something for a few moments. "I will see if I can get moved to Illium permanently on Monday."
"I am really glad we could talk this through in a productive manner and get a positive outcome for everyone." They have a quick hug before going back to the kitchen.
-----
Adastra, Sam and Seliha walk back into the kitchen to find Kate and Fosanta still there. "Kate. All of us just wish to be friendly with each other; no one is forcing anyone else into anything. If you still think it is a problem, then please meld with Fosanta or something." Kate goes a little sheepish and nods. "Fosanta do you have any problem with this?" Sam goes digging in the cupboards to find something that is edible out of the packet given the lack of time.
"Sam, I just need to warn you that these kind of relationships usually end in mental issues for one of the three involved."
"Who ever said anything about relationships?"
"You and Adastra are not bondmates?" Fosanta looking to Adastra who shakes her head. "My apologies to you both and I see nothing wrong in that case."
"Glad that misunderstanding was cleared up. Fosanta, best friends is as far as it is to go between myself and these two." Fosanta nods seemingly a little happier. "Is the plan still to go to Eternity tonight?" Adastra and Seliha nod as Fosanta and Kate look at each other.
"I would like to go Kate but not without you."
"I was thinking of not going to be honest." Seliha decides now would probably be a good idea to tell everyone.
"Kate, if you are not going just because of us being in a bit of a three way friendship then you must see the bigger picture. Illium law allows slavery which I am sure you have stronger feelings about. I however would not be where I am today if that was not the case." Everyone looks a little shocked at that. "It was not the best time of my life as my mother had not long died and I had no other way of earning as I could not be a stripper in a bar or something similar. So I ended up taking a twenty five year contract with Armali Council who agreed to give me a university grade education which added another twenty years, somewhere to live which added another five and twenty credits a day."
"That is appalling Seliha, especially the pay, given we are going to get three hundred an hour. How can they get away with that?"
"On every other Asari world they cannot. Illium is special in that it is the gateway into the terminus systems where there are no laws. So for Illium to be able to compete for trade, laws had to be relaxed, slavery, was one. That pay however was highly generous given that some employees pay their indentured servants nothing or a couple of credits as a token gesture. Armali Council, fortunately for me, treat their workers well even if they are in an indentured servitude contract."
"Why did you continue to work at Armali Council after the contract expired?"
"They gave me a chance at having a normal life which no one else had done and the job itself is good. So after the contract ended I got transferred to the Thessian facility which meant I then got a proper, decent wage and an interesting job, even if it did mean having to travel to various places for up to six months at a time."
"Well that was a revelation." Sam was surprised but it did not come as entirely unexpected.
"I thought you should all know especially yourself and Adastra Sam. Kate are you going to come to Eternity with us tonight?" Kate nods. "I am happy you have changed your mind."
------
Everyone excluding Adastra, Fosanta, Kalawa and Aumarva are outside by the pond. It is a sunny day with just a bit of dappled shade provided by the small leaved trees to keep everyone cool. The four that are not around the pond had left to get various items and some better food from Nos Astra.
"What are everyone's plans for today?" Imphaya seemingly a bit bored at sitting around just watching the fish.
"We were going to go to Eternity this evening." Kate looking up briefly from watching the fish.
"Well that will be interesting." Selayla seemingly knowing something everyone excluding Seliha doesn't know given the sea of blank faces. "If we stay there a while I can guarantee one of us will have had someone try and hit on us. It is going to be fairly difficult to maintain security."
"I am sure you have earnt one drink for putting up with us though." Sam looking to Hymara and Lianta.
"Only one Sam?" Hymara acting surprised at the low offer.
"Very funny Hymara. Seriously though is it going to be that bad tonight?"
"It is not usually too bad to be honest Sam but you and Kate may have someone try it, Yasmari and Adastra will probably be fine."
"I bet you a hundred I will Selayla." Yasmari feeling a little insulted with that comment.
"Please do not start that, we did the same two days ago and we all ended up bright red or purple for the trouble." Selayla, Swathana and Yasmari laugh at that, the other three look puzzled. "Do you do not talk to each other in the house? I am surprised that news was not the first to be spread."
"We were not told about you being bright red Sam." Imphaya turned to look at Seliha. "We did however hear the rumour that you have the same condition as Adastra. Is that true?" Seliha nods. "Does anyone here know that for definite?" A shuttle reappears to land in Adastra's parking space.
"Sam and Adastra, given I slept with them both last night." Kate just rolls her eyes. "Oh and I know about Sam saying he would ask if I would show you proof. I would like to give you all a small look when they are not their normal colour if that is ok with you all."
"Well that is the best we can hope for really. All we have ever seen of Adastra is the few marks on her hands."
"And that is all you are going to see Lianta." Adastra walking along the path by the side of the pond towards the house, a couple of boxes in her hands. Fosanta not far behind with several bags.
"Is there anything else that needs taking in?"
"Yes Sam there are a few more boxes and bags, just take the stuff on the left." Everyone decides it would be best to leave the fish alone and help with carrying in the recently purchased goods. The commandos quickly removed their goods from the shuttle to their house leaving only a couple of boxes for Adastra to make a second trip to the shuttle for. Once all the edible stuff had been packed away they all moved to the seating area.
"What is in the boxes then?"
"There are four inverters in this box to let you run your items that you both brought with you. There is a console in this box for Seliha and in this one there are a few essentials such as toilet roll etc."
"So they will provide power for our equipment?" Adastra nods and Kate suddenly seems to get exited. "Hair straighteners! If we are going out I could really do with getting them working." Sam just face-palms. "What Sam?" Kate giving him a bit of a cold stare.
"Nothing, I just personally think you look better with a bit of a wave in your hair." Kate seems to warm up the stare a little but does not give any sign of an approval.
"Is there room in the top room for me to setup the console?"
"Yes Seliha as my computer will live in the basement. I am sure I can find something to put it on until I find a desk or something for down there."
"Kate your two boards are there and I am sure Fosanta would help you fit and set them if you need help." With that Kate gets up and takes the two boxes as Fosanta follows her upstairs. "I need to ask if either of you two have a problem of having a shower again but this time using green before we go out?"
"Errm... If I work this out right that means I would end up highlighter yellow. Is there the possibility of me having a shower with the blue first and then joining in with the green as that should mean I would also be green rather than yellow."
"I think that is a good idea Sam. What do you think Adastra?"
"I like that idea. I however think it is getting towards lunch time."
-----
"I am really pleased you got these inverters Adastra, I only need one to run everything down here." Sam putting the bare wires from the 8-way extension into the connectors on the inverter.
"They are mostly scrap products usually from old ships. I picked up these four as they looked unused and they were identical." Sam plugs the board into the house supply and presses the on button on the computer.
"It lives." Sam with a grin on his face, the two Asari with a smile. Seliha seemed particularly interested in what is happening.
"It takes a long time to load." Seliha seemingly used to nearly instant on items and therefore being a little impatient.
"Welcome to old technology Seliha where everything took time." Seliha nodded still intrigued by the system. "Would you both like to watch a film?"
"I would quite like that Sam." Seliha nods. "Something that we should be able to follow would be nice."
"I am sure I have something here which is suitable." Sam scrolling through the files. "Oh. You might like this one. Ice Age."
"If you think so Sam." Sam plays the film and the three of them sit on the pallet Seliha used to bring her items to Thessia.
------
"I wonder who that would be at the door at this time of the afternoon on a Sunday." Fosanta goes to the door to find Usarta standing there.
"Good afternoon Fosanta. Is Sam around as I have something which I must discuss with him."
"I will go and get him, do make yourself comfortable on the seats." Fosanta goes down into the basement to see Adastra, Seliha and Sam sat on a pallet watching a small screen on a box in front of them. "Sorry to disturb you." Sam pauses the video and looks around. "Usarta is here and would like to talk with you Sam."
"You two can keep watching if you want, I have seen this countless times before." The pair nod and Sam un-pauses the video before leaving with Fosanta.
"Hello Usarta. What brings you here at this time on a Sunday?"
"I had to come to give you some information Sam. The first of which is that Armali will support you in this line of work if you wish to accept the offer."
"What work? I have no idea what you are on about."
"I am guessing you have not yet read your messages?" Sam nods with a little confusion. "I would suggest you do so after we have finished as it may clear things up."
"I am still confused but go on." Sam actually sitting down now on a chair.
"Second is that we will allow you to take any days you work as half pay days instead of holiday time since it is for a good cause."
"Can you give me any more information at all?"
"All I know is I have had a request to allow you to travel to Thessia if you agree to an offer and I need to say you must go alone. It is for a charitable organisation called Galactic Acceptance who aim to help sufferers of various mental and physical problems. That is however the extent of what I know, sorry Sam. People do not trust Illium's total surveillance."
"I will go and read my messages now to try and make sense of it. Thank you for taking your time on a weekend to tell me this." With that Sam goes into his top floor room and turns on one of the three consoles. After a few minutes of working out how to use the thing he gets to his messages. There is just one sitting in the inbox which he opens.
Sam,
I hear you are settling in well on Illium. I have something which you may wish to help me with. Usarta will explain a few things later to you but Galactic Acceptance are currently trying to provide support to an individual who I feel you are in a better position to help than I. If you wish to do this someone you know will meet you at Nos Astra space port, near dock sixty seven, at nine in the evening on Monday. You will be told what is to happen only once you are in transit to Thessia.
Stay safe.
You know who.
Sam reread the message just to make sure that he had not missed something important before logging out and shutting the console down.
-----
Usarta had left by the time Sam had arrived back down stairs. Adastra and Seliha had appeared from the basement after the film had ended to see where Sam had got to.
"That film was rather good Sam." He nods to Adastra. "You look confused. Is everything alright?"
"I have got a message from you know who which is a little confusing."
"Nothing new there then." Adastra clearly getting who Sam was talking about, Seliha looked a little confused though now.
"You know who?" Sam leans closer to Seliha.
"The Consort." Seliha gets a knowing smile on her face.
"Was it your appointment date and time?" Seliha mocking but the smile still on her face said it wasn't serious.
"I do not need an appointment to see her Seliha." Seliha seemed to be a little shocked by that and her smile seemed to disintegrate rather quickly. "No it was just a message. I could do with Kate and Fosanta being here." Adastra walks into the kitchen and drags both of them from around the table out to the seating area.
"What do you want Sam?"
"I need to say this to everyone. I will be leaving here late tomorrow evening to go to Thessia."
"Why Sam?"
"The reason I was given Kate was I am deemed the most suitable person to help someone. It said I would be told more on the way but it will be a bit late to tell you all then. Before anyone asks it said I must go alone." Sam saw the question on Adastra and Seliha's lips disappear with that last addition. "Sorry but it is not my rules."
"So was that why Usarta was here?" Fosanta still trying to work out why she would visit on a Sunday.
"She came to tell me that Armali will pay me half, for the time I am away, as it is for a good cause. I pressed her for more information but she knew nothing else."
"Do you know how long you will be away?" Adastra seemingly wondering the same thing as Sam.
"I will ask before I leave but I will try everything I can to make sure I am back for your birthday Adastra. If I cannot for whatever reason I will try and make arrangements for you to meet me or something." Adastra seemed happier at that as did Seliha for some odd reason. "I think we should all be thinking of getting ready to go out this evening."
"You have a point Sam as it takes a while to straighten hair." Kate smiling a little. Sam sighs and shakes his head as he walks towards the stairs, Adastra and Seliha following.
-------
"Blue actually suits you quite well Sam."
"Yes all I need is a white hat and I would look like a smurf." Sam sees two blank faces looking back. "Sorry I keep forgetting. They were cartoon characters who were blue and usually wore white hats and trousers. They were sort of like mini blue garden gnomes. I bet I have to explain what a garden gnome is now?"
"I can see it would take a while to explain but I think we both get the general idea Sam."
"I am relieved to hear that I do not have to spend hours explaining Seliha. Can I ask if the shower is to have the same rules as yesterday?"
"I think that would be best for you Sam." Sam nods as Adastra hands Seliha the shower gel before they climb into the small shower space.
-----
"I am going to end up being so self conscious this evening looking like this." Sam looking at himself in the mirror and seeing something that looks remarkably like a zombie.
"You will be fine; Adastra and I are also green."
"Yes but given I have seen an Asari with more green skin it is hardly that big of a change. Green is really not a normal colour for us. It would be like you being brown."
"I get your point Sam but I think your message has made you unduly nervous."
"It is not all that comforting when you know nothing about what is going to happen Seliha."
"Perhaps a drink will settle you a little Sam." Sam nods to Adastra and the three of them get dressed. It is only a couple of minutes before they head downstairs to see Fosanta and Kate waiting for them.
"You two look good." Sam paying his compliments to the two well dressed individuals in front of him who had clearly made an effort unlike the three of them.
"And you look like a zombie Sam," everyone including Sam laughs. "It is at least obvious that you three are together."
"That was the plan Kate, less likely to get people asking you out if it is obvious you are friendly with someone else. Anyway I think we best be making our way there." Everyone nods to Adastra and heads out of the front door towards the shuttles with the commandos meeting them there.
"Green, really?" Hymara clearly jealous as she gets in seeing Seliha and Sam on the seats.
"Yes what about it?" Sam already sick of the colour and the comments it was getting. He was just glad it was not highlighter yellow.
"You three are going to stick out. I can see this being a long evening."
"Sorry Hymara. I will try and behave." Adastra takes off and follows Fosanta to the space port near to the bar.
-----
"Well that is different." Aethyta mused to herself as she watched the eight commandos, three Asari and two humans walk in.
"What species are they matriarch?" Gemayha had never listened to Aethyta's request to not be called that since she started working at the bar over four months ago. Aethyta let her off as she was rather popular with the regulars.
"Human Gemayha. The two the Enlighten picked up, which means one of the Asari will be Adastra." Aethyta just hoped that this evening would not end badly. Gemayha was confused.
"What is important about Adastra?"
"She knows how to defend herself. I heard she attacked a commando because she treated her differently not long ago. If you take their order, mention I would like to speak with them at closing time." Gemayha felt a little trepidation but nodded and left the bar to take orders.
-----
"I like this place already." Kate looking around and seeing a relatively peaceful atmosphere even though it was fairly full. "At least there is no dance floor or rubbish music."
"This is not a club Kate it is more an eat, drink and talk establishment." Seliha seemingly a semi regular. "I see a couple of tables at the back that are empty. We should take them before they fill up." The entire group walk over getting people parting and stopping their conversations to look at the humans.
"Hymara, you know when we went to that clinic and I said I would get sick of that look. I have hit that point now." Sam smiled as Hymara and Lianta laughed.
The group separated into their two usual groups taking a table each. "Do we order at the bar?" Adastra wanting to get on with drinks.
"You can Adastra or you can wait a minute and someone will be along to take our order." Adastra thinks waiting might be an idea as carrying thirteen drinks at a time would be a bit of an effort. Gemayha appeared from the bar area and headed to Kate and Fosanta's table.
"Welcome to Eternity. My name is Gemayha, what could I get you this evening?"
"I have no idea at all. What would you recommend that is not too strong?" Gemayha seemed to pause as if there was some kind of translation time.
"Our Asari honey mead is highly popular."
"I will try some of that." Gemayha gave an exaggerated nod and looked to Fosanta.
"I would like the same please." Kate was thinking it must be highly popular as everyone sat at their table orders the same. Gemayha goes to the bar to pick up the drinks.
"Matriarch, six honey meads and do you know which of them is Adastra?" Aethyta laughs.
"Not frightened you have I?" Gemayha shakes her head unconvincingly. "Her hands but more so her left have markings on." Aethyta puts the six glasses on the tray. Gemayha looks confused. "She is rumoured to wipe memories of people who have seen her body." Aethyta leaves the conversation there and gestures to the awaiting tray. Gemayha shakes her head a little and then nods before taking the drinks back to Kate's table where she carefully distributes them to everyone before moving to Adastra's table next door.
"Welcome to Eternity. My name is Gemayha. What could I get you all this evening?" Gemayha was a little tentative in her delivery and standing a little distance away from the table which Seliha did not miss.
"Greetings Gemayha I am Seliha. I could not help but notice you seem a little uncomfortable and I am curious as to why as you seemed ok when serving Kate and Fosanta." Sam was wondering if a bit of him was rubbing off on her or something.
"Matriarch Aethyta, the bartender here at Eternity, had just told me about the rumours surrounding you Adastra. They have made be a little nervous." Sam just laughed a little before turning to Adastra who had a bit of a frown. Sam decides to talk in English to keep Gemayha out of it.
"Adastra, She'll not know about the large improvement you've made in the last few days. Think of that as old Adastra. Would you be willing to give her a hug to show that you care?" Seliha got a large smile not only from being able to understand what Sam had said but also the plan. Adastra gains a bit of a smile back and nods. "It is good to meet you Gemayha. My name is Sam and I am sorry for that little talk but it is easier for me to express myself in my own language." Gemayha nods. "First drinks. Could I have something fairly strong and slightly fruity?"
"Of course Sam." Seliha and Adastra settle for the same as Sam whereas all the commandos stick with the honey mead.
"Gemayha, before you go for the drinks. If you would not mind then I would like to give you a hug to show that I am usually a friendly person. The rumours get me treated as a monster and the notion people could even make that assumption hurts." Gemayha seems torn between accepting and running.
"Gemayha, you can get the drinks first if you need time to decide." She nods and quickly disappears. "That was rather amusing, she looked scared."
"It was rather mean Sam." Imphaya smiling as she made the remark.
-----
"Matriarch, four meads and three of something strong and fruity. I also could do with some advice." Aethyta getting a couple of bottles off the shelf behind her.
"What is it Gemayha?" A bit of a smile on her face as if she already knows what has happened.
"Adastra would like to give me a hug to show that she is not a monster." Aethyta starts laughing at that.
"You need to grow a quad Gemayha. She will not hurt you for no reason." Aethyta puts the seven glasses on the tray. "Also remember that I want to talk." Gemayha nods and leaves with the tray to go to Adastra's table. She puts the tray down on the table and passes the drinks out to each of them.
"What is your decision Gemayha?" Adastra's face grew a smile when Gemayha opened her arms. Adastra stood and gave a hug. "I appreciate you letting me do that."
"That is no problem Adastra." Gemayha seemingly puzzled as to why a hug meant so much. "I have been told to tell you that Matriarch Aethyta would like to speak to you at closing time." with that she moved to Fosanta's table and said the same thing before going back to the bar.
-----
"I wonder why a Matriarch is even serving drinks in a bar."
"I have no idea Fosanta but I am sure she will be willing to explain if she wants to talk with us." Yasmari still thinking perfectly fine even after nearly chugging the entire glass of honey mead already.
"This honey mead is actually rather nice."
"It is fairly popular Kate and we all ordered the same as well." Yasmari tipping the rest of her glass into her mouth before putting the empty on the table. "Unfortunately I have a bad habit of drinking too much of it." The whole table either smile or laugh to that as Yasmari catches Gemayha and orders a refill.
-----
"I have no idea how Kriana could say my sloe gin tasted of paint stripper as this stuff tastes like floor cleaner given it has a citrus flavour." Sam thinking it was like someone has made a hybrid of a lemon an orange and a grapefruit before mixing it with vodka.
"You should have had the honey mead Sam if you do not like it."
"Lianta, it is good, just a bit different than I am used to. I may try the honey mead later."
"Oh I still have yet to show proof that I have the same condition as Adastra. If you come around here I will show you." Lianta, Aumarva and Imphaya got up and got closer to get a better look. Seliha keeping her leg below table height so that others do not see uncovers her right ankle to show a few of the markings.
"I believe you now Seliha. Do either of know how many have this condition."
"I was told there were six known individuals including me when I was born. I would not expect more than about ten in the galaxy even if it is becoming more common."
"Are you kidding Adastra? I thought it might be near a hundred but not as low as that." Hymara clearly a bit surprised at that amount.
"No I am not kidding. Yes you have about a fifth of the galaxy's population of marked Asari sitting in front of you. I did not believe Seliha either when she said." A silence washed over the table as the four commandos tried to process that information.
"I will get the other table to come and have a look Seliha." Seliha nods and Sam walks across to Kate's table.
"Sam you should really try this honey mead it is good."
"I might later Kate, Seliha would like to show you all something since you doubted her claim yesterday." Sam hoped the hint was enough for Fosanta and Kate to join the commandos as well. Luckily they did and joined the four commandos to look at Seliha's right ankle.
"So it is true. Sorry for not trusting your word Seliha."
"That is no problem Kalawa I have got used to people not believing me. You best be getting back to your seats as I can see a few people thinking of taking them."
"I forgot the on your feet loose your seat rule. Luckily it seems to be thinning out a little in here." Kate looking around and seeing only one or two people without seats before heading back to her table.
-----
Everyone had had at least two drinks by the time the bar was closed at midnight. There was an eerie quiet as the thirteen occupants of two tables at the back waited, watching Gemayha cleaning tables and removing glasses.
"Sorry, was cleaning the bar. My name is Matriarch Aethyta but you can call me Aethyta." Everyone just nods or says hi as she pulls around a barstool and sits down between the two tables.
"Was there a reason you wished to talk to us?" Kate being a little snappy after having a few.
"It is not every day you can talk to a new species." Aethyta still seemed cheery even though she had been serving drinks all night.
"Aethyta, I am sorry but we have tried to keep quite a bit of information to ourselves. If you have any specific questions then we may be able to answer those." Gemayha looked interested and wandered over to stand behind Aethyta.
"I heard that you caused a few problems on the Citadel."
"Aethyta, I think we shocked the whole hall at the announcement event but other than that I do not think we caused too much trouble." Kate remembering back to the sea of jaws on the floor as they came out onto the stage.
"If by problems you mean the crippled commando then that was my fault." Adastra looking a little sad at that Sam putting his arm around her.
"Although to be fair if Adastra had not have done that we would have never have met." Seliha feeling happy about Adastra making that choice.
"Do you have the same condition Seliha?" Aethyta seemed remarkably well informed. Seliha looked a little shocked and confused.
"What makes you think that Aethyta?"
"I heard many years ago that you did, but when you came in one day a few years ago with your arms exposed it made me think they were just rumours."
"They are not rumours; I just have no markings on my arms. I would like to keep their colour and position to myself however."
"No problem babe." Sam looked a little surprised as to how laid back Aethyta was as she turned towards Kate's table. "So you two must be Fosanta and Kate?" Kate nods.
"I am, but I am also curious as to why a matriarch is in a bar?"
"Just because I am getting old means I cannot drink?"
"That is not quite what I meant." Aethyta laughs at Fosanta not quite grasping the joke.
"I know. I was just messing with you. I got tired of my opinion not being listened to on Thessia, so I came here. We as a species should be advancing technology not showing our arses to everyone who will look." Fosanta nods.
"This sounds like it is a bit of a sore point for you Aethyta."
"It is Adastra. We should have our own mass relays by now, not millions of artists and strippers."
"So those relays are made by the other races?" Sam curious as to how they can use them and not know how hey work.
"No babe. We found them. We do not know for sure who made them. We should know how they work and we do not because of floundering around with arts and politics instead of science."
"Interesting, in that case I agree entirely with your opinion Aethyta. You should at least know how they work enough to repair them for example."
"I get told that a lot babe, but your opinion is appreciated. It has been good to meet you all but I must get back to cleaning. I will see you all soon." The group pay for their drinks and head back to the house. Given it was now late and they had work tomorrow everyone turns in for the night shortly after arriving.
-----
Notes
An apology for this building block chapter but it has its reasons. If anyone wishes to point out that Aethyta would be on Thessia ~140 years prior to Mass Effect, arguing about mass relays until she is blue in the face (I did not just type that did I :p) then you would probably be correct. I thought Aethyta was one of the better characters so I decided to place her in the story for you all, timeline be damned for the moment.
Next chapter will be first day of work at Armali.
- 24
- 25
- 26
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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)