Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

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
- 28
- 29
- 30
Chapter 29 - Slowly
Thursday 26th January 2017
-----
Sam had slept rather well and after a bit of breakfast Talima and himself walked to the Galactic Acceptance building. "Do you have a time in mind for when we are to leave back to Illium?"
"I was thinking nine this evening. I know you do not like sleeping on ships much Sam; however it is best to arrive in Nos Astra early morning as it is easier to get a berth."
"Right." Sam seemingly a little lost in his own world.
"Have you got something on your mind Sam?"
"You know when I said yesterday that I did not want Adastra to see this as competition?"
"Yes Sam."
"Well it seems Seliha is the one I should have been worried about not Adastra. I really hope this is not a problem when we get back." Talima could not see a suitable response to that so decides to say nothing. The two of them head into the building to see Saymera at the desk.
"Good Morning. How did you both sleep?"
"I slept well Saymera."
"I slept ok but I seem to have a few problems to resolve when we get back. Leaving Adastra and Seliha alone together turns the pair of them into kids. Anyway, how are you Saymera?"
"I am ok Sam. I have prepared everything for Amistathya to leave so all I need is the yes or no. I need to say Iona is not around today unfortunately however I am sure she would be willing to meet up again in the near future."
"I am sure we can arrange something. I will go and see Amistathya now and get her decision." Saymera nods and Sam walks down the corridor to Amistathya's room.
"Talima do you think Amistathya will be ok with the two of them if Sam thinks he might have something to solve when he gets back?"
"I do not know as I have never met Seliha myself. I will however be staying on Illium until Sunday so I will not be far away if there are problems." Saymera nods and Talima takes a seat.
-----
Sam walks into Amistathya's room and looks carefully around to his left to look at her favourite corner. "Good morning Amistathya. You look a bit tired."
"As do you."
"I am not really tired, I just feel like I have a lot of pressure on me for the next couple of days. I also still feel a little stressed from yesterday which is not helping either. I feel it would be wrong of me not to tell you that I think Seliha is going to be more of a problem than Adastra."
"Why?"
"Well Adastra said she had been acting weird and then I think she somehow sees you as competition for me, even though we have only known each other about a week and have only connected once. I am really not sure what is happening with her." Amistathya seems a little worried. "Could I ask what you are thinking?"
"I am torn between how much I think I could trust you and how much of a problem people in the house may be."
"You still do not trust me?" Sam not taking any offense as he understood that this will take time.
"Not entirely which is making the decision a little difficult." Amistathya seems to contemplate something for a while. "Do you mind if I try to connect with you?"
"As long as you are careful then I am happy to Amistathya." She nods to Sam who gets a little more comfortable on the bed.
"Close your eyes. Relax and let yourself fall. Embrace eternity."
-----
Sam finds himself in his library but everything is black and white. After a few moments a few tinges of colour begin to appear. "This is really strange as I have not had this happen before."
"I apologise however you do not understand that you are lucky." Amistathya's soft voice echoing slightly off the hard surfaces as the colour becomes entirely normal.
"You have not exactly been the most forthcoming of individuals Amistathya. Could you explain why I am lucky?" Sam sees her approach with a little trepidation from down one of the isles.
"Each individual has a certain nervous system frequency, which map into fifty one standard clusters. Each of these clusters contains groups of similar people. I happen to be right on the lower extreme of cluster thirty four which is one of the smaller groups. I can only meld with the bottom half of that cluster, which I was told is about one in two hundred people."
"I feel suitably special. I am guessing I am quite close to your limit given everything was a bit grey to begin with."
"No I just struggle a little to initiate connections, which is why everything was a bit strange. I apologise about that but it has always been difficult for me."
"The main thing is that you still can Amistathya. Could I ask if there is anything you wish to know while you are here?"
"Not at the moment. I will leave now that I know I can meld with you." Sam nods as Amistathya leaves through the large door.
-----
"I appreciate you letting me attempt that Sam. The neural instability will be worse than usual given that I struggle to form connections." Sam smiles feeling suitably happy that it is the first time she has used his name.
"It is not your fault Amistathya so you not need to feel bad about it. I am sure for today Talima will happily help me walk around." Sam feels a little light-headed but decides to power on through. "You seemed to have a reason you wished to find out if you could meld with me. Can I ask what that reason is?" Amistathya takes a breath.
"This is not easy for me but it is the most comfortable. I will give you about three months to prove I can trust you. Do you agree to do this Sam?" He was a little confused but decides to roll with it.
"I think so, although you are being a very vague." Sam feeling nervous at this out of the blue idea.
"I will be your indentured servant until the end of April. The only clause will be that you cannot ask me about my past. If I feel I can trust you then you will probably find out everything you wish to know. If the opposite is true I will try to find my own way once the contract has expired. If you do not wish to have a servant then I would like to make my own path, however that may turn out."
"You are trusting me with everything?" Sam feeling a great burden rain down upon him.
"No Sam. I am looking to see what you will take, nothing more."
"So this is a test to see where I draw the line?"
"You seem to understand Sam. I cannot trust you if I do not know how far you will go."
"That seems to make sense although I can see Kate being highly unimpressed by this. Do you really need to do be my servant?"
"It is the only test I am happy with given I am reasonably sure you would be unable to hurt me badly given how you looked yesterday. It also has the bonus of being a deterrent to anyone else thinking of hurting me. I still absolutely hate this idea, but as you said yesterday I am trying to just do it and not think about it."
"I understand." Amistathya nods. "Talima suggested we set off at nine this evening. Would you be ok if we collected you after you have had your evening meal, say about eight?"
"I will make sure I am ready." Amistathya seemingly not happy with her decision but sticking to it. Sam nods before placing his foot on the ground and trying a bit of weight on it.
"Great." Sam opens his Omni-tool.
Talima,
I would be most grateful if you could come to Amistathya's room to help me get around for a while.
Sam
Sam looks to Amistathya who seems to be getting back to her normal non expressive state again. Talima walks in to the room to see Sam sat on the bottom of the bed. "Your message was not quite what I was expecting Sam."
"I am sorry to surprise you. Anyway long story short I might have neural instability for a bit and I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me stay standing."
"I am guessing you are still a bit new to this Sam?" Talima talking as she helps Sam to his feet.
"Well it is my seventh time if I remember right. Last time I was like this I could walk in a straight line if I concentrated. I just do not want to fall flat on my face."
"I understand."
"I will see you later Amistathya." Amistathya nods to both Sam and Talima as the two of them leave the room and walk back to the reception desk.
"You did go into the right room Sam?" Sam props himself up against the reception desk.
"I think I know Amistathya by now Saymera. She is the shy one that does not trust anyone with sky blue markings and grey eyes." Sam knew it was a joke but was feeling in a slightly sarcastic mood.
"I was only asking as I was told she could not meld?" Saymera with a touch of confusion and intrigue on her face.
"Well if what she told me was correct then she can meld with about one in two hundred people. Anyway, she has decided to leave and it would be best if we could do so at about eight this evening."
"That sounds fine to me. I will see you both later then I assume." The two of them nod before walking out, Sam having his arm over Talima's shoulder to steady himself.
"This is probably going to spark some kind of war when Kate, Adastra and Seliha come back from work tomorrow." Sam musing to himself as they go for some lunch.
"Why do you say that Sam?"
"Kate will have a go at me for bringing an indentured servant back." Sam trying to sound as if he is ok with it but secretly feeling a little scared.
"Really Sam?"
"Not you as well Talima. It was not my idea at all. I actually asked her if it was necessary, she said yes. She also seemed to make it very difficult for me to say no." Talima nods with a smile. "Adastra will probably be a little annoyed that she will not be the centre of attention on her birthday and I have no idea what Seliha may do."
"I think you may be over thinking this a little Sam. How about we see if we can get something for Adastra this afternoon?" Sam nods.
-----
Adastra, Seliha, Fosanta and Kate are in the Skylounge having lunch together when Adastra receives a message.
Adastra,
I just wished to send to a message to see if everything is ok there. I will be getting a ship back overnight but I doubt I will be on Illium until after you start work. Sorry about that.
Sam
"At least Sam seems to be keeping in touch now."
"How did you know it was Sam Fosanta?" A curiosity in Adastra's voice.
"You look a little down when you get a message from him. He is not going to cut you out of his life just because he has someone else to look after now." Adastra nods as Seliha gets a message.
Seliha,
I hope you acting a bit strange is not because you are feeling as if you are in competition with my new friend. Please understand that I am more than capable of having more than one friend. Also could you tell everyone she will be my indentured servant once she arrives on Illium? I know Kate will complain so I apologise for any grief you may get.
Hope to speak to you tomorrow.
Sam
"Well his acquaintance on Thessia gets more and more interesting. He wishes me to tell you all that she will be his indentured servant when they arrive."
"I cannot believe Sam would do such a thing." Kate almost threw her fork down on to the tray in outrage.
"Kate, while I am disappointed, we know very little about this individual. It may just be the best way for her Kate, we just do not know."
"It is still not an excuse Fosanta." Kate seems a little wound up as she opens her Omni-tool.
-----
Sam and Talima had just finished their food and were now just finishing the last of their drinks. As they looked out of the large window over a small pond Sam received a message.
Sam,
How can you be so inconsiderate to bring a slave into our home? You know it is wrong.
Kate
"How did I guess Kate would be so annoyed?"
"Is this about Amistathya wishing to be your indentured servant?"
"It was more manipulating me in to it than wishing to be but yes. I do not particularly like the idea, although thinking of it she is basically giving me responsibility and I am giving her trust. I just feel as if I have the short end of the stick."
"Short end of the stick?" Talima confused as to the unknown grouping of words in this context.
"Sorry Talima, I keep forgetting sayings do not translate. It means the unfavoured side of the deal, the one with the most drawbacks and the least benefits."
"I understand now. I am guessing she is going to write the contract on her terms?"
"Yes but the only limitation is I cannot ask her about her past. That is it, which is a little daunting." Talima seems a little anxious at that news.
"I feel the same as Iona did yesterday now Sam. Amistathya must either value herself as almost disposable to offer such a contract or must be very taken by you Sam."
"I do not think I can say for certain whether she likes me or not as she has only today used my name for the first time. I do admit she seems to be warming to me much quicker than I thought she may."
"It is that which makes me think she likes you Sam. Also the fact that you probably hurt her quite a bit yesterday and yet is still talking to you ads more weight to that assumption."
"We will see how it progresses over the next few days but I know she cannot see who she really is so that could be why she does not value herself well. I still know no specifics of her past but I know it must not have been easy for her. I would really like to get a few more answers when we get on the ship but I doubt she will answer." Sam looks out of the window to see a fish jump in the pond. "I best send a message back to Kate. I can however see this being difficult for me when I get back."
"All you can do is your best Sam and hope for a positive outcome." Sam nods to Talima who still seemed a little unsettled as he types his message.
-----
Kate was a little annoyed as she entered her office after lunch. She looked at her inbox to see a message from Sam. She opens it only because there are no other messages.
Kate,
It was her idea not mine, she has also made it difficult for me not to agree. I think this could be my fault for my actions yesterday but I am unsure about that. I not only feel guilty for what I did but I also now have the responsibility of her on my shoulders as well. I can only apologise if this upsets you. I will see you tomorrow evening.
Sam
Kate decides to have a chat to them when they return and to try and block out the thoughts for now.
-----
Sam and Talima walk back to Galactic Acceptance after spending a bit of time finding something for Adastra for her birthday. Sam was walking fine on his own after the instability had warn off. The pair walk through the door to see Amistathya sat in the corner of the reception area looking really quite uncomfortable. A box by her side keeping her company. "I did not expect you to be waiting out here Amistathya."
"Neither did I Sam." Amistathya was obviously keeping her eye on an Asari who was waiting on the other side of the reception area. She however seemed more interested in Sam being there than in Amistathya.
"I think we should leave as you are obviously anxious." Amistathya nods and picks up her box. Sam looks over his shoulder to see Amistathya looking overly nervous about venturing out of the building. "Amistathya we will not be long before we are at the spaceport. You will be fine." She does not look totally convinced as she follows behind Talima and Sam. Sam follows Talima to the ship which was waiting at the space port whilst keeping an eye on Amistathya. The three of them walk into the airlock on the ship and Amistathya breaths a sigh of relief. "Was it that bad Amistathya?"
"I think I made it worse for myself but I would rather be somewhere a bit more private." The inner airlock door opens to reveal Sha'ira standing there with a smile.
"Good evening Mistress. I will prepare the ship for departure." Sha'ira nods to Talima who walks past Sam and Amistathya towards the cockpit.
"It is good to see you again Sha'ira." She bows her head slightly. "I do not believe you have met Amistathya before. Amistathya this is Sha'ira, you may also know her as the consort." The best Amistathya manages is a slight bow of her head.
"It is good to meet you. I have heard plenty about you over the last week. I also heard about your rather inventive method yesterday Sam."
"Inventive? It was more abusive than inventive Sha'ira."
"Perhaps, however it was bound to either fail spectacularly or work too well. I know from you both being here and not in a hospital it was the latter. I am most intrigued as just how well." Amistathya looked to Sam.
"Could you give us a few minutes to talk together?"
"Of course, take which ever of the two bedrooms you want." Sam nods to Sha'ira and gestures Amistathya to choose whichever she feels most comfortable in. She chooses to take the left hand room. The room has rather basic furniture but has an en suite at the back of the room towards the rear of the ship. Amistathya puts her box down on the floor just inside the door and takes a seat on the bed.
"Amistathya, I would happily tell Sha'ira for you if you want me to. I do however have a couple of questions for you." Amistathya nods. "Are you going to deliberately not do as I say so as to force me to punish you?"
"No, while I may slip up I will try not to go against you."
"I am glad to hear that as I was worried you may be deliberately difficult as that would be hard for me to cope with. My last question is more related to now. Would you prefer to sleep alone as I am sure Sha'ira, Talima and myself could share the other bed if you were that bothered?" Amistathya seems torn. "I will go and tell Sha'ira what is to happen while you decide." Sam does not wait for Amistathya to respond instead he just leaves shutting the door behind him. He walks up to the small seating area in front of the bedrooms and sits opposite Sha'ira. "I still have quite a few niggling questions as it does not make any logical sense. I am however aware that she wishes to keep her past to herself which I fully understand."
"To go back to your advice Sam. You had a choice of drowning the flicker with the fuel or setting yourself on fire." Sam laughs as Sha'ira notices Amistathya had obviously followed Sam and was standing at the entrance to the corridor. Sha'ira does not bother to bring her to Sam's attention.
"I think the latter happened and is aptly appropriate. Do you know anything about what has happened today?"
"No Sam as I was in transit."
"Well, we found out we can meld so that is a good start." Sha'ira looks a bit confused but nods for Sam to go on. "Amistathya also seemed to have been planning a test last night. She is giving me three months in which she wants to see where I draw the line. To help me do this she will sign an indentured servitude contract where the only clause is I cannot ask her about her past."
"This is surprising me slightly. So she wishes to offer everything with no boundaries so she can gauge how much she can trust you with her." Sha'ira was playing a little to Amistathya who looked a little uncomfortable at her seeming ability to see right through her careful plan.
"That is about what I thought as well but I just have no idea what to do. If there were rules then I could perhaps work to them."
"Sam, metaphorically she is seeing if you are her preferred fuel by testing you."
"I get the idea but it still does not help me gauge where I am."
"From what I have heard you both seem to understand each other perfectly but not yourselves. Just do what you believe is right Sam, just as you have done with Adastra."
"I will try but I am really not that comfortable with having so much responsibility."
"You will get used to it eventually Sam. I am sure Amistathya will understand the position she is putting you in." Sam nods looking down at the floor. "I did hear that Seliha could be a little problematic."
"You do not miss anything do you?" Sha'ira just smiles. "Yes, I do not know yet why Adastra said she is not the person I know. She also seems jealous that I am bringing Amistathya back saying she will not meld with me if I do."
"Does that bother you Sam?"
"Not really as I can always find someone else if Amistathya decides I am not the right individual for her. I cannot see how she could use that as a way to keep me though as we agreed that we would just be good friends and not bondmates."
"It was wise you made that decision as this is what usually happens. It is a good job Amistathya will be in a contract as I think she would have tried to force you apart."
"You think she is after me?"
"Sam, you are one of two individuals of your species in the galactic community. That does make you highly prized and that could make a number of people a little envious of any individual you currently seem to be with."
"I am guessing my gender is not helping matters either?"
"You would be correct Sam, especially so for Asari."
"I must change the topic as I feel uneasy thinking of myself as someone at the top of the desirability list. Saymera asked me if I had ever thought of doing this kind of work more often. While it would be nice to do so I cannot see it happening, at least for a few years. Since Galactic Acceptance is a charity I was wondering how a bit of fundraising would go down instead?"
"I am sure they would greatly appreciate any help that you could provide Sam. Did you have anything in mind?"
"I have not really thought about it yet, it was more of an idea." Sha'ira smiles and subtly nods in Amistathya's direction. Sam looks confused at first whether that is a response to his idea or something else, until he turns around. "Have you been there long?" Amistathya looks at Sha'ira.
"Amistathya, I will not lie. Sam she has been there throughout the entire conversation." Sam turns to Amistathya.
"It is not difficult to give me a little tap on the shoulder or something if you do not wish to say anything Amistathya." She looks away from Sam.
"Could you explain how you know my intentions?"
"I have helped thousands of people Amistathya. It becomes trivial to see patterns in people's actions which give away certain things about them. I know you are hiding your past and you want to see if you trust Sam enough to know." Amistathya nods, seemingly happy enough with the explanation.
"Have you decided on how you wish to sleep tonight Amistathya? Well does not count." Sam at least gets a smile off Sha'ira for his attempt at a joke. Amistathya seems still in thought. "I actually know you really want to be alone but you are planning ahead to try and predict my intentions tomorrow."
"You might struggle to predict Sam Amistathya. If you just want a good nights sleep go with what you are most happy with."
"I would rather be alone."
"That is fine by me. Do have a good sleep." Amistathya nods a little happier and goes into her chosen room. "I cannot believe I am going to ask this but, are you ok if it is three to a bed Sha'ira? I know it gets a little friendly but it is better than someone having to sleep in a chair or on the floor."
"That is no problem at all Sam."
"I thought that would be the case as it seems most Asari do not care about who they sleep with."
"Most Asari prefer company at night and some do not sleep well without it. I can only choose acolytes who are happy sleeping alone otherwise they may pressurise clients into sleeping with them. If you wanted a bedroom to yourself then I would be happy to sleep here."
"As long as you try to keep it to just sleeping then I will be ok Sha'ira." She nods in response with a friendly smile.
-----
It was about fifteen minutes before Talima appeared after setting the ship to autopilot. The three of them went into the room opposite Amistathya's, got undressed and got into bed. Sha'ira got in the middle before shuffling a little closer to Sam which made him a little uncomfortable. "Sam, I have something I need to tell you so relax." Sam was starting to wonder if invading personal space was counter productive in making people relax, but he decides to leave making a comment for later. "Find the link between us Sam. Embrace eternity.
-----
"Well this is not embarrassing." Sam noting he was wearing nothing whilst sat behind his desk. Sha'ira walks up to the desk as if there is no issue at all.
"I must apologise for that Sam, I let my feelings overtake by better judgement." The smile on her face telling Sam all he needed to know.
"I am a high value prize I get it. What did you wish to tell me that you could not just talk to me about?" Sam rested his elbows on the desk in front of him.
"I am going to need about two hours of your time in private tomorrow morning."
"You could not just have asked?" Sam confused now why she wishes to keep this so secret.
"I need the time to see if you can produce separated memories. They are much more difficult to find during melding so should be safe if you meld with Amistathya or anyone else."
"Why would I need a separated memory?"
"I would like you to know why Amistathya is as she is Sam. I do not want the memory causing you to suffer however, hence the need for a separated memory. I hope you understand."
"Is it that bad?"
"It is quite a dark memory which did lead to someone committing suicide."
"I do not know quite what to say. If you wanted to scare me then you have succeeded."
"I need you to know if you can do so tomorrow morning before you sign the contract. I know that Amistathya may never truly trust you, or anyone else, and you need to be aware of that as well."
"I understand. Do you mind if I tried to get some sleep?"
"Of course not Sam. I hope you sleep well." Sha'ira walked out of the library.
-----
"Sha'ira." Sam turns over to face the Asari wearing the warm smile of fake innocence. "I thought I asked you to at least try to keep your hands to yourself."
"My apologies Sam." Sam shakes his head and turns back over wondering why he feels like he is surrounded by kids.
-----
Notes.
Trust Sha'ira to try and live up to her reputation. I understand some of you may be confused by Amistathya's actions but as she is rather reluctant to give up her past and her feelings you will need to wait to find out. The next chapter is back on Illium on Adastra's birthday.
- 28
- 29
- 30
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Marked Effect (AFF Edition)