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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
- 31
- 32
- 33
Chapter 32 - Recovery
Sunday 29th January 2017
------
Sam sits up in bed, the image that had been tormenting him the last few minutes, gone. This was the ninth time in four hours and the strain was starting to get to him. Sam felt someone put their hand delicately on his forearm. "It is like it is playing games with me. As soon as I awaken I cannot remember anything."
"I wish there was something I could do but there is not." Amistathya sounding tired and a little upset.
"Actually there is, would you mind melding with me for a couple of seconds. I am going to pull a few memories out of the recessed memory so I do not feel as if I am going insane." Sam talking to the blackness of the room but knowing Amistathya is right there.
"You mean you are going to provide the brain with something easier to get to so it will avoid the worst memories?"
"That is my plan. It is worth a try at least as I am not exactly getting much sleep at the moment." Sam lies back down on the bed.
"Say when you are ready."
"Ok Amistathya."
"Let yourself fall. Embrace eternity." Sam feels the start of the meld then the wave of memories. He could not distinguish if Amistathya had finished the meld or not. Pushing through the remembered pain, the flashing images and the emotions he moves to the recessed memory space finding it is open, so Amistathya must have broken the meld. Quickly scanning through he selects a large number of images which illicit a strong but not overwhelming response before putting them on a normal shelf nearby. All that was left was to wait the eighteen minutes. Sam leaned over and pulled Amistathya into an embrace.
Amistathya was happy she might be able to help. She was also impressed at Sam never letting his hands wander over her body even though she was naked and he was well within his right to do so. The minutes seemed to pass quicker with the two of them being close together. Sam opened his eyes to see an outline of an Asari lying on the pillow next to him. "Thank you Amistathya." Sam lets Amistathya shuffle back across the bed a little.
"It should be me who is thanking you Sam."
"Why is that?" Sam a little puzzled given he had probably woken her several times already this evening.
"I was impressed with you seeming to take a little more care given I have nothing on. I was also impressed at your ability to not let your hands wander over my body."
"I do not know what you are comfortable with so I tried to be respectful."
"Could I suggest keeping it like this until you can tolerate melding with me? Then we can start experimenting."
"You do know I should punish you for saying that. Having said that it is a good idea and I do want some sleep so I will let you off this time."
"Thank you." Amistathya shuffling back to her own side and putting her head down. Sam does the same and the pair of them are asleep again within a few minutes.
------
"Good morning you two, did you sleep well?" Sha'ira walking into the kitchen with Talima following behind who gives Sam and Amistathya a nod and a smile.
"The first half of the night was unpleasant given the unrememberable nightmares. Amistathya was very helpful in getting me slightly more stable sleep in the second half but it was not brilliant. I have however felt worse than this in a morning before."
"Amistathya have you ever had a bondmate before?"
"No, why?" Sha'ira smiles.
"Burning someone so badly, yet gently takes a certain kind of individual. I would recommend you breaking the servitude contract early Sam so Amistathya can express herself fully."
"I will bear that in mind." Kate and Fosanta walk in, each having an arm around the other. "You two look much more comfortable around each other." Sam not giving away he had an idea what happened.
"I must apologise for doubting you Sam. It really was a great experience."
"So you got over your trepidation about having fun with an alien of your own gender then?"
"I could not resist the teasing."
"Was you mean to her Fosanta?" Sam trying to quell his curiosity.
"No I made Kate work for the meld by giving her a bit of motivation to do so Sam. I must say it worked much better than I expected, next time it will be harder to get what you want Kate." Kate gives a bit of a fake frown before smiling.
"I am glad you two had fun. I am still trying to work out a way of getting used to melding with the sky blue one which will not get me badly addicted."
"I think Kate already is, she was practically begging for another go last night." Kate gives Fosanta a bit of a playful nudge as she blushes slightly.
"I believe you were both warned about that effect. Sam, could I discuss something with you in private?" Sam nods. "Amistathya you can come along as well." Amistathya follows the two of them out of the room to the basement for a bit of privacy.
------
"Sam there is a way of getting you comfortable enough to meld. I believe you moved some memories out of your recessed memory last night." Sam nods. "Holana could flash meld opening the recessed memory space, there is no addiction to it but as I said it has side effects."
"I am not sure how Armali will take to me having yet more time away from work Sha'ira. I have only worked one day there up to now. Also I need to talk to Usarta about the thrusters for the event."
"There are times when it is best for everyone to be a little selfish Sam. I am sure the bulk of the work you were to do this week could be done from a console that is anywhere."
"You are probably right as it is likely to get busier leading up to the event; best get it out of the way now." Sam opens up his Omni-tool and creates a message.
Usarta,
It seems I will not be starting back tomorrow as I previously thought. The individual who I was meeting has given me a unique problem which could do with being solved sooner rather than later. I also need to speak to you about thrusters. That may seem odd but I cannot say much yet with messages. I would be entirely grateful if we could meet sometime today.
Sam
"Now the question, if we leave where we will stay as Lianta and Hymara will have to come with us." Sha'ira contemplates for a second.
"Let me sort that out for you when we arrive." Sam nods as he gets a message.
Sam,
I was just about to go into Nos Astra; I will stop by on the way in. I should be about thirty minutes.
Usarta
"Thirty minutes to have breakfast before Usarta arrives. I would appreciate it if you could also meet with her Sha'ira as I sometimes find it a bit difficult to explain what is happening."
"Of course Sam." Sam nods and the three of hem head back into the kitchen arriving as Adastra and Seliha walk in the other door for breakfast.
"Usarta will be appearing in about thirty minutes." Sam stating as a matter of fact.
"Why is she coming Sam? Can this not wait until tomorrow?" Adastra talking as she raids the cupboards.
"It is important today Adastra given I may have other things to be doing tomorrow."
"I see you had a bad night."
"It was not the best night ever Adastra so I do apologise for the slightly sharp responses."
"You two look like you had a good night." Adastra leaves Sam alone as he clearly is not in the best of moods.
"Yes we did Adastra." A smile on both Kate and Fosanta's faces answering Adastra's next question so she sees it pointless to ask.
------
"Morning Usarta. I am actually glad you could meet me so quickly." Sam gestures her inside to the seating area where Amistathya and Sha'ira are waiting.
"As I said Sam I was practically passing anyway. I was a little curious as well as you were not exactly forthcoming with information."
"It is a bit complicated. I am sure you probably know Sha'ira and the shy one is Amistathya. She was the individual who I was meeting on Thessia last week."
"It is good to meet you both." Usarta sits down after an exchange of nods on the seats opposite Sha'ira and Amistathya. Sam sits down in the middle of the two of them. "I will start with your last point first as I think that is going to be simpler."
"We will see. Anyway, I have been given the use of hanger four at Sentix Spaceworks for a charity event in support of Galactic Acceptance. As you will probably know that hanger is a ridiculous size."
"How did you manage to get hold of it?"
"I was given it but why and how are unimportant at the moment. To get sound into a space that large requires something with a large amount of air movement and I thought a plasma thruster, or several, would do the job nicely."
"If you can make them work like that then I can see no issues up to now."
"I was hoping Armali would offer the use a few for the event. I am not exactly sure what is standard size and what is not. Please do not be too shocked if these are weird as they were rough calculations." Usarta nods. "I was thinking eight twelve metre bore thrusters to begin with which would be adequate but not ideal."
"The largest standard size we have is a twelve so that does not sound too inconvenient. I sense an addition though."
"The hall is ridiculously sized and also would have gas flow problems from hanger five. The eight thrusters would need to be modified to use a water feed instead of a gas feed."
"You mean split the water in the thruster?" Usarta seemingly contemplating that idea through her shock.
"Yes."
"If you can make it work then that could be interesting concept."
"I had a bit of a novel idea last night while I was unable to sleep. Could I ask what the largest thruster you could produce would be?"
"Largest? Our processes limit us to a twenty metre bore and a twenty five metre casing diameter. We can but have not built any that were larger as we would need to outsource lots of the manufacturing. This pushes up costs and makes them extremely expensive to manufacture."
"Would it be at all possible to obtain two twenty metre designs?"
"Could I ask in what way this is beneficial for Armali as special designs such as those are rather expensive?"
"You get advertisement. You can sell the thrusters on afterwards, think of it as thorough testing, and it is for charity."
"I suppose it would be a good showcase for how responsive our thrusters are. Also I like the sound of the integrated water feed. Ok I will agree. For the twenty metre design you will have to make the design yourself as our largest design on file is a fifteen metre diameter design."
"I am sure myself and Adastra can manage that. Thank you for your support, I guessed the event could hold over a hundred and twenty five thousand people and possibly quite a few more so there is quite a bit of advertising to be had."
"Interesting. If you could provide me some more information when some more planning has been done we may be able to help a bit more." Sam nods starting to feel the strain of staying polite and thinking on his feet. "On to the second point, first point, my apologies. What is this problem which needs solving?"
"As you know I was asked last week if I would go and meet Amistathya on Thessia. She did not trust anyone and it was really difficult at first to talk to her. I decided when I was not really getting anywhere to push her a little which gave me the first break. She began to trust me even if it was very tentative at first. I start to get a little lost around here, Sha'ira?"
"Amistathya seemed to grow a liking to Sam, quite a bit faster than even I expected. You could say Amistathya is on the dangerous list, which became a problem when she expressed an interest in getting to know Sam better."
"What makes her dangerous?"
"She has a dark past Usarta. Sam has very little choice now other than to learn to live with that."
"Why did you agree Sam?" Usarta wondering if Sam is a bit mad.
"I felt it was the right thing to do. I have however made the decision and I now have to make the most of my choice. I would greatly appreciate a week to try and get used to the memories. I will do some work remotely to get the thruster design done quickly."
"Amistathya, I apologise for asking but I need to know how bad this is. When Sha'ira says dark, how bad?" Amistathya shuffles closer to Sam and puts her arms around him.
"I know she would rather I said nothing. If I said that it took two years for her skin to fully heal would that be enough?"
"What caused the damage?"
"Sorry Amistathya but she wishes to know." She nods, a slightly saddened expression on her face. "I am not going to say specifics but deliberately inflicted chemical burns were the cause." Usarta goes a little pale.
"You did wish to know Usarta. I hope you can understand quite why I said they will both be added to the dangerous list."
"I think I have a better idea Sha'ira. I am sure something like this will take longer than a week to get over Sam, but if that is all you wish to have for now then that is ok with me."
"Thank you. I am sure it will take weeks to get over it and possibly years to do so fully. I do however have an event that needs planning and work may be a good distraction."
"I understand, I apologise Amistathya. I wished to understand and now I am wondering if I should have asked. I will see you next Monday then Sam." Sam nods as Usarta gets up and leaves.
"Amistathya, Usarta is a kind soul but is a typical manager, wanting to know everything and give away as little as possible. I hope you understand why I had to say."
"I do."
"I think it would be best if we had a talk to the others to tell them where we are going. I am sure you will have plenty of time next week to hug me." Amistathya lets Sam go, the three of them standing up and heading to the kitchen.
------
"I find it so amusing when someone comes to talk to you Sam it always takes a long time."
"The joke of sex is finished Kate given I will be on the dangerous list. I have however got a rough agreement for ten plasma thrusters to use as sound for the event."
"Ten? I thought you said eight Sam?"
"I did but I was thinking in a room that size bass is going to drop off as if it was an object approaching a neutron star. I therefore have been given the go ahead to design two twenty metre bore plasma thrusters." Adastra seemed a little surprised.
"Do you have an idea how much power you need for one of those?"
"We will be fine as we have practically the whole of hanger five for power if we need it." Adastra does not look too convinced. "Anyway I need to announce I am leaving to spend five or six nights on the Citadel."
"Why Sam?"
"I need some help that I cannot get here. I hope you all understand that I just want to get back to feeling reasonably normal as quickly as possible."
"I think we all understand that Sam." Sam nods to Fosanta. "When are you leaving?" Sam looks to Sha'ira.
"As soon as everyone is ready to leave Fosanta." Sam and Amistathya vacate the kitchen to start packing.
"Is he going to be ok?"
"He has many questions and answers which do not match Adastra. He will be happier once he finds the source of the confusion; you will have the same problem soon." Adastra looks confused but nods.
Sam and Amistathya do not take long to pack given some of their stuff is still packed from when they came back from Thessia. The four who are to leave meet at the bottom of the stairs. "Can everyone try and be good while I am away this time. I am looking more at you Seliha, I know it is not your fault but still if you could try your best."
"I will Sam."
"I will see you all in a few days." Sam stating before the four of them begin to walk out of the front door towards the waiting shuttle. Lianta and Hymara join them in jumping onboard before closing the door and taking off to head to Nos Astra space port.
------
It was not too long before they had loaded themselves and their luggage on to the private passenger transport. Talima went to pilot leaving Sam, Amistathya, Lianta, Hymara and Sha'ira to sit in small seating area opposite and just aft of the airlock.
It was only a few minutes before Sam felt the ship jolt into FTL travel.
"I am confused as to why you are going to the Citadel Sam?" Lianta speaking to break up the silence, her brain evidently trying to work out what is happening.
"I am already sick of this discussion but I will go through it again since you have both been left in the dark." The two of them nod. "I am not sure how much you really know about Amistathya."
"Not to touch her and she is scared of people who can manipulate biotic fields. I think that is it Sam."
"Sorry I thought you knew a bit more. It has seemed like a very long twenty odd hours." Sam takes a breath. "Amistathya has had a rather eventful past, one which after we melded yesterday I wish I knew less about. The Citadel trip is to try and help me live with what I know."
"Can you not remove the memories?" Lianta looks to Sha'ira who in turn looks to Sam.
"No as I doubt anyone would wish to meld with me." Hymara seems confused.
"Why Sam?" Sam just sighs and looks to Amistathya.
"You must promise not to tell anyone as I really despise saying this." The two of them nod. "Technically she would be classed as dangerous. I knew this beforehand and it was a mutual agreement, neither of us was forced."
"You said you had melded with Adastra who was on the dangerous list. What is new this time?"
"This was a full meld not a connection and Adastra was technically not a dangerous person, just misunderstood." The two commandos look confused. "I will say Amistathya has been physically abused almost to the point of killing her." The two of them look shocked.
"Why did you agree to meld Sam?" Hymara not understanding the logic even though there was none.
"I do not know, each time I remember back there is nothing that makes sense. All I know is it felt right." Sam puts his arm around Amistathya. "Amistathya, would you be willing to show Lianta and Hymara what is under your gloves? I am not going to force you and I am sure the contract is not applicable either. It is entirely up to you." She looks at her hands and then the two commandos who seem puzzled and in shock.
"I hope you are right." Sam nods hoping he is also right that the two commandos will not make any negative comments. Amistathya pulls off her left glove first before her right.
"I am shocked that you could keep something like that hidden. While I may not appreciate art as others do your hands look good." Hymara impressed yet not overenthusiastic.
"Your hands could entrance many individuals with their subtle, yet surprisingly striking markings." Amistathya gives both of them a weak smile before putting her gloves back on. "I think I have worked out what happened. I think Sam has a soft spot for markings given his friendliness to Adastra."
"I have a soft spot for Amistathya Lianta, and yes that is the first time I have openly admitted to that. The excellent markings she has are an extremely delightful addition to a shy and yet endearing personality." Sam seemed to gain a touch of happiness whilst speaking his mind on why he likes Amistathya. "Is this the same shuttle we came back from Thessia in Sha'ira?"
"Yes it is Sam."
"Two bedrooms for six, while I would usually suggest three in a bed I can see a problem."
"We will arrive at the Citadel late evening Sam." Sha'ira making Sam feel a little foolish for loosing track of time.
"Sorry, I thought it was mid afternoon. Now I feel silly."
"Perhaps you should take one of the rooms and see if you can get some sleep Sam. You do not look quite yourself this morning."
"Since there is not much else to do then that sounds like a good idea Lianta." Sam takes his arm from around Amistathya and heads to the left hand bedroom. Amistathya seems a little lost without Sam which is evident in her body language.
"Are you worried Amistathya as you look a little on edge now that Sam has left?" Sha'ira wondering if she can reassure her.
"I feel uncomfortable being alone in an enclosed space with people who I am not sure I can trust." Amistathya just managing to get out what she is feeling.
"The shuttle trip will be uneventful you have no need to feel uncomfortable." Lianta wondering if it was the fact there is two commandos sitting nearby. Amistathya does not respond, just sitting there gazing at the floor.
"We should hit the relay out of the system in about forty minutes mistress." Sha'ira nods with a smile at Talima who takes a seat next to Hymara instead of one of the two between Amistathya and Sha'ira.
"Amistathya do you mind if we had a talk alone?" Sha'ira wanting to see if she can quiet her confusion. Amistathya seemed reluctant but eventually stands up. The two of them going into the other bedroom and locking the door.
"Amistathya, I must congratulate you on your ability to confuse me. I have been looking at a smokescreen since we left Thessia and the fog still seemingly lingers. Why did you wish to subject yourself to an uncomfortable situation rather than join Sam?"
"I was not asked to."
"You are the owner of yourself Amistathya. You obviously have a sharp mind given your ability to manipulate Sam but you need to take control of yourself."
"How did you know?" Amistathya sounding a little shocked as if she had been trying her hardest to keep it hidden.
"It is obvious that you have grown on him, but the only way anyone can trust someone so quickly is if they can control them sufficiently. You must resist doing this and control yourself instead. You may be surprised at the outcome when you do so."
"How?"
"As I said I cannot see all I would like. I do know Sam would appreciate you being more forward with what you would like."
"I am not comfortable in doing that."
"Amistathya, the worst that could happen is he says no. Do what you want to do and see what happens."
"I will try." Sha'ira nods still not quite sure what will happen but decides to let it play itself out. The two of them get up from the bed.
------
"Is it Am-i or Aim-i Talima as I would hate to get someone's name incorrect? Sam has occasionally been inconsistent."
"Aymi-sta-theia Lianta. I think Sam finds it difficult because of his native language."
"I think this is only the second individual I have been worried about saying their name wrong. I find it a bit strange as it does not seem to fit any sort of conventional naming."
"It is a rather nice name Hymara, I am sure you will get used to it." The two commandos look puzzled. "I like the name personally even if it is a bit of a handful to pronounce." The two commandos do not have time to make any commenting before Sha'ira and Amistathya reappear.
The four of them sit discussing various Citadel related topics while waiting for the ship to get to the Citadel. Amistathya keeping to herself in the corner.
------
The shuttle docks on the Citadel late in the evening after having to wait a short while for a berth to become available. Talima walks out of the cockpit after locking the drive controls. "Talima. Would you wait here while I attempt to find a room for everyone?"
"Of course Mistress." Talima sits down on the seating as Sha'ira exits the ship through the airlock.
"There is always waiting around involved."
"I am sure Sha'ira will not be long Sam."
------
Sha'ira came back to the ship forty minutes later. "Talima, you are free to leave, sleep well."
"You too Mistress." Talima nods before leaving. Once she had left Sha'ira sent a short message on her Omni-tool.
"I found that the Whefon hotel had a particularly suitable apartment available for you. It is on Tayseri ward not far from the botanical gardens."
"By particularly suitable you mean?"
"Two bedrooms, living area, kitchen, a small office and bathroom all in one contained unit. The rooms have decent sound insulation as well." Sha'ira gives a small smile to Sam and Amistathya before the airlock door opened and an unknown Asari enters.
"You requested me to be here Mistress?" Sha'ira nods.
"Everyone this is Holana. She will take you to the hotel and have a talk with Sam and Amistathya. If anyone has any problems while they are on the Citadel I am sure you know where to find me. I hope you all have a pleasant stay." Everyone gives Sha'ira a nod before she leaves.
"Which of you is Lianta?" Holana down to business, her voice sounding slightly sharp but she had a small smile on her face.
"I am Holana. This is Hymara and I am sure you can guess Amistathya and Sam."
"Yes, Thank you Lianta. If you would all follow me." The four of them stand and join Holana in the airlock. They made their way to the shuttle station and climbed onboard a shuttle which was going to the Gaeron botanical gardens.
"I did not quite know what to expect given I have never been here before." Amistathya admiring the view out of the window of buildings towering high from the giant arm of the Citadel, the purple gas cloud beyond outlining each of them.
"You have never been to the Citadel before?" Lianta a little surprised.
"Unfortunately no. I have spent my entire life on either Thessia or Illium."
"I am not going to be a great tour guide given last time I was here I was mostly stuck on-board the Enlighten." Amistathya seemed to wrack her brain to remember that it was the Enlighten that picked up Sam.
"You know more than I do Sam." Sam concedes that point as the shuttle approaches their departure station.
The five of them get off and take the fifteen minute walk fairly leisurely. There were quite a few people milling around given the time of day, but given there is no set night time on the wards that was to be expected. Amistathya did not seem to appreciate the reaction two commandos and a human were getting from a few people. She calmed a little once they got into the hotel lobby, which was surprisingly quiet. The only individuals around were two Asari waiting for the lift and the receptionist behind the desk.
"If you would wait here I will sort out room passes." Everyone gives Holana a nod before she walks over to reception.
"That walk with people stopping and watching us has made me anxious."
"I think they were looking at Sam, Hymara and myself more Amistathya. I am starting to wonder if we will have a problem with reporters." Lianta using her name with ease after taking several hours to think about it.
"I really hope not." Sam turning to see Holana on her way back across the lobby.
"Room 401, fourth floor first room." Everyone follows Holana who has the key cards with her into the lift. Sam gets board after the lift travels past the second floor and starts humming cheesy lift music.
"I know you are not a fan of lifts Sam. I am sure you can take the stairs next time if you wish."
"It would probably be faster Hymara, and good exercise." Hymara says nothing as the lift stops at floor four and the doors open onto a well lit corridor. The door to room 401 on the end of the corridor only a few paces to their right. Holana opens the door and gestures them to enter.
They walk into a hallway with a door to their left and right. The left leads to a moderate sized office, the right to a large bathroom. The end of the hallway leads into a large open plan, kitchen, dining and living space. "I am going to guess the doors at either side are to the bedrooms." Sam walks to the door on his right and peers in. "Who is in which one?"
"That one Sam." Amistathya wandering over to join him. Hymara looks at Lianta and the two of them head to the left room. Holana follows the two commandos.
"My apologies, I will leave your pass for the room here." Holana puts a key card on the table just inside the door. Hymara and Lianta nod before Holana leaves the room to see Sam and Amistathya in theirs.
------
Amistathya sits on the side of the bed sinking into the soft surface. "Well the bed is certainly soft."
"I would have expected no less from Sha'ira." Sam flops on the other side of the bed as Holana walks in before locking the door behind her.
"Has Sha'ira explained everything to both of you?"
"She has told us about you not feeling much, you taking a midday dip in the presidium lake with her, flash melding and the fact you should not be helping us as you theoretically should not have clients. She did not say what was going to happen though."
"Do you know anything more Amistathya?"
"No, which is worrying me slightly." Holana sits down on the chair next to the window.
"I am sure Sha'ira mentioned how flash melding could help and its side effects." Sam nods. "Ok, the plan is to flash meld with you both. I will then connect to you Sam to sort the memories into four blocks, the first of which I will move out today."
"I can see me having a headache afterwards." Sam remembering that when someone else does the work it causes headaches.
"It actually depends on what is moved Sam. I am however only here to help for the long term so a bit of a headache for a hour or two is irrelevant. I am however fully expecting you to hate if not resist me by Wednesday."
"Hold on, this makes very little sense. The flash meld is to know the limits though so why would I hate or resist you?"
"I am using Amistathya's limits, not your limits Sam. I am only flash melding with you to open the recessed memory."
"Could I ask why?" Sam feeling a little worried now.
"If you are not uncomfortable then it is not going to make a difference Sam. Amistathya I would like to connect with you at some time, it does not need to be today." Amistathya nods, seemingly less worried than Sam. "Sam, you look apprehensive. Could you explain why?"
"The fact you seem to want to break me is a little unnerving. I was also thinking of trying to have a bit of time with Amistathya while I am here as I doubt when I get back to Illium I will have much spare time."
"I would recommend you doing any sight seeing tomorrow Sam as you may become overly confused and disorientated after that. I have been requested to make Thursday night and Friday as comfortable as possible without moving the memories back. I will endeavour to do this, however I cannot make any promises on the amount of improvement. It should be enough given you will probably be exhausted enough to get a half decent nights sleep."
"It seems I am just going to have to go with it as it is not like I have much choice."
"I will give you a minute or two after flash melding for you to recover before connecting Sam. Amistathya do you wish to connect tonight or another day. It would probably be better tonight as some people hate me being a bit cold."
"Tonight and get it out of the way."
"Ok, I will go Sam, Amistathya, Amistathya, Sam since I think Sam will take longer to recover from the flash meld, given his inexperience." The two of them nod. "Amistathya if you could lay down like Sam it makes the shock a bit less strange." Amistathya does so. Holana stands next to the bed near Sam. "Try to relax." Her eyes changing from brown to black and back as fast as a blink. Sam didn't feel much in the way of pain but he was massively disorientated as if the room had been rapidly spun. Holana moves around the bed to the other side. "Amistathya if you could try to relax, after the meld if you could give me a nod when you have recovered sufficiently I will then know when you are ready."
"Ok Holana." Holana quickly melds again; Amistathya seemed relatively unscathed as it was barely a minute before she gave the nod.
"Amistathya, Embrace eternity."
-----
Holana walks through the door just about getting it open wide enough to get into given the mountain of datadisks trying to hold it closed. "My apologies Holana, I am a little embarrassed by the mess. I used to keep it fairly tidy but after the incident I found that muddling through allowed me to cope better."
"An interesting idea, the problem being is do you know where to find everything?"
"Over time I have gradually worked out where everything is. I was tempted to put the disks back into the racks but I have always thought I might find it too confusing and not be able to find anything."
"Amistathya, you should made a start and gradually tidy this mess up. It would probably help Sam as well as he can then try and focus on a particular section where he knows there are no bad memories."
"You have a point. Could I ask why you even wished to connect with me?"
"I need some evidence to prove I was not meeting Sam alone. I will leave you alone now Amistathya." Amistathya nods and Holana leaves through the half open door.
------
Amistathya opens her eyes and looks around to find Holana already at the other side of the bed. "Sam, can you concentrate enough yet? I need time to do this and there is not long left." As Sam's confusion had subsided the memories from the recessed memory had returned with a vengeance which was making life difficult.
"I will try." All he can manage while trying to hold back the flood.
"Relax and reach out to find the link between us. Embrace eternity."
-----
Everywhere Sam looked all he could see were images on posters plastered everywhere, renewing the memories he experienced yesterday. Holana walking in through the mahogany doors she barely had time to nod to Sam before working her way down the first isle. Sam goes back to watching the fire, looking at it and it seemingly looking back as if it was about to leap out and set him on fire. It is barely a couple of minutes before Holana reappears. "It seems you are stronger than I thought Sam. It seems I can increase the difficulty a little more gently than I first anticipated. I would like to keep you in the dark as to what I have moved and what I plan to do."
"I am sure I will know shortly."
"You will, it just may not be where you expect it to be. I will be back tomorrow."
"I will see you then." Holana nods and exits.
------
"I will speak to you both tomorrow evening, at about the same time. I hope you both sleep well."
"I will." Amistathya answering, Sam just giving a nod, his slightly gloomy face trying to hide what he can see at the moment. Holana nods and exits the apartment after saying goodbye to Hymara and Lianta who were on the sofa in the living area. It is only a couple of minutes before Sam seems a little happier. "How are you feeling Sam?"
"Very confused as I can feel the memories burning into the back of my head but I cannot see them. I am sure I will be ok. How are you?"
"I feel fine but I am sure the side effects will become obvious."
"I am sure if we stick together then we can correct each other when we forget." Amistathya nods. "Could I ask why Holana wanted to connect with you?" Sam curious as he sits up on the bed but feels a little dizzy.
"She did give me some advice to tidy up the mess of memories in my mind. I also feel she was getting some information for Sha'ira. Quite what in the mess I do not know."
"I always felt she knew everything reasonably well."
"She congratulated me on confusing her on the ship here. She also made another suggestion which I am not all that comfortable with." Amistathya seemingly going a little meek towards the end.
"Could I ask what or is it private?"
"She suggested I should try and be more forward with you about what I want."
"Amistathya. It is a good piece of advice and I would actually be very interested in at least knowing what you would like. All I know is that you seem to like being treated softly and you have a bit of a dark streak." Sam turns his head to look at a slightly flustered Amistathya. "It is ok I will not tell anyone. I know from the fact you have been playing me ever since I was mean with you back on Thessia. Of course I cannot admit that to anyone else as they would think I am insane. Adastra's manipulations gave me some clues as to what to keen an eye out for and you expressed similar actions."
"I do apologise for that Sam. I needed to know if I could trust you and how much you would trust me. I hope you understand."
"Of course I do, and I appreciate the effort as you were at least more subtle about it than Adastra was. I was going to suggest voluntarily swapping the contract around while we are here but I can see that descending into war very quickly. I really do not want that happening again after what happened in our first few days on Illium. I would however be happy to agree to you going nuts but me still retaining the right to refuse if it is ridiculous."
"You mean you will let me choose what to do?"
"Yes and I will try not to say no to anything. I hope that is reasonable?"
"I think that is fair."
"I could do with a drink, sending a message back to Illium, then a shower and bed." Sam gets up off the bed before looking around to see Amistathya just lying there. "Are you going to lie there all evening?" Amistathya gets up off the bed and walks behind Sam. Just before he gets to the door Amistathya wraps her arms around Sam.
"The bathroom looked big enough for two." Sam got the hint but decided to have some fun.
"If you packed people in I would say about forty people, not just two." Sam tried to keep a deadly serious tone to sell the act and just about managed it.
"Four did you say Sam?" Amistathya let Sam go and walked around him casting him a slight 'I know what you are doing and I will win' smile. Sam gently catches Amistathya's arm before she leaves the room.
"I was joking to see if you would actually ask me, instead of insinuating Amistathya."
"I thought you knew I am a bit shy Sam. I would feel too embarrassed and scared to ask Hymara and Lianta and I would rather be a bit of a tease than bluntly ask you." Sam feels a little shamed and played.
"I understand, yes I will join you in the shower. I need to send a message and get a drink first." Amistathya nods before leaving the room, closely followed by Sam. Sam gets a glass and fills it from the tap. "Do either of you two sofa dwellers think journalists may be a problem? I am thinking more for Amistathya than myself."
"Possibly, rumours may start to spread that you two are together. They might push for an interview if their curiosity gets too much. Please do not say anything to them and everything will be ok." Hymara giving her opinion.
"I will not... Amistathya I think I have spotted my first lapse. I apologise but I cannot remember either of your names."
"Why not Sam?" Lianta wondering if he is doing it on purpose.
"It is ok, I will remember shortly. You may or may not notice us both forgetting random things for a while." Sam taking a seat at the table with Amistathya. He opens his Omni-tool and creates a new message.
Fosanta,
I hope you do not mind me messaging you for everyone; you are more trustworthy than the others. We arrived here a couple of hours ago and we have a nice apartment room in the hotel. I have no idea what we will be doing this week as it is up to the sky blue one. Yes she is choosing what happens and I am a little worried about showering together later.
I hope everything is ok on Illium and the two wild children are behaving.
Sam
"I cannot be bothered sending any more, one to Fosanta should be enough." Sam seems to have a think for a couple of seconds. "Amistathya you are really annoying sometimes, now you have me thinking about four."
"Sam I was not being serious."
"You have started the thought, now it will keep going until it reaches some sort of conclusion."
"What are you two talking about?" Hymara curious.
"Do you really want to know?"
"Actually I would not mind knowing as there is not much else to do." Hymara really making it difficult for Sam to get out of it.
"Amistathya made a passing remark which she later admitted she would never do. It was for you two to join us for a shower. I cannot get rid of the idea now even though I also would be reluctant to do." Lianta looks to Hymara who shrugs.
"I think both of us would not have a problem with that notion if you ever wished to offer it."
"Why do I get the feeling you would be settling your curiosity more?"
"I have seen an Asari who had large tattoos covering her arms, legs and back, personally I found the concept idiotic. You are different Amistathya in that you both had no choice and your markings on your hands have a pleasant softened edge which tattoos tend not to have. Yes I am curious as to how extensive your markings are. I am also curious as to what Sam looks like."
"Lianta, you will be surprised." Sam wondered quite what Amistathya meant by that.
"Amistathya actually does not have a large amount of markings, well compared with Adastra anyway. I would spoil the surprise but that is mean. Anyway it is up to Amistathya if she feels ready in the future to say yes." Sam getting a message on his Omni-tool.
Sam,
Everyone is fine here on Illium but it is still strange you not being here. We have had no problems with Seliha and Adastra is still having an odd joke. I had to turn down Kate for a shared shower tonight as she seems too eager. I need to temper her addiction slightly as she is a little keen. Just treat her as you would in bed Sam and I think you will be fine.
I hope you have a good week.
Fosanta
"It seems as if Adastra and Seliha are behaving which is good. Kate is going to be a little disappointed not getting to shower with Fosanta."
"When are those two actually going to move forward from just sleeping together?"
"You mean meld Hymara?" She nods looking at Sam with confusion. "Yes I know I remembered your name. They melded yesterday and Kate seems to be addicted already. Fosanta is trying to kerb her enthusiasm a little." The two of them laugh a little.
"I am sure you have been told it is addictive?"
"We all know that Lianta and Sha'ira made it clear to Kate and Sam. I hope you both understand when I say that I would prefer if it was just myself and Sam for a while."
"I understand Amistathya. We will go in after you have finished." Sam and Amistathya nod to Lianta before getting up from the table and walking towards the bathroom. Hymara waits a minute or so before speaking up.
"I think that was a little strange."
"Are you saying you have a problem with it?"
"No Lianta. I have in my time had to follow various individuals into the bathroom. I think it would be the first time I would actually have showered with the person I am meant to be protecting if it happens."
"I have done it once before. She said as long as I kept my hands to myself then she had no problem with it. It was convenient to shower at the same time because of appointments and other commitments so we did."
"Were you ever tempted to touch?"
"No as it was the Asari with tattoos I was talking about. While the design did compliment the markings on her face and folds, it just felt wrong in some odd way. I felt a little sorry for her though as it was people who thought like that who I was protecting her from."
------
Sam entered the bathroom first, Amistathya close behind locking the door as she enters. "I am going to be honest and say now I am a little nervous."
"I am as well Sam."
"I am a little glad to hear that as Adastra and Seliha were rather too comfortable for my liking. If you could say what you are happy with I would greatly appreciate it." Sam begins to remove his clothing and putting then on the glass worktop near the sink, Amistathya doing the same.
"I would quite like it if you could help wash the back of my head. It is quite difficult for me to clean the crease between my head and my folds by myself."
"I was sort of wondering how you managed with them to be honest."
"Well it is quite easy if you have a washcloth but I hate using them as they are a bit scratchy. Also the skin was not evenly burnt on the underside of my folds so the sensitivity is rather strange." Sam walks to the shower and turns it on.
"I can comprehend the issue but not really understand it."
"I will try and show you one day but it may be a while away."
"I would appreciate that." Sam looks around while waiting for the shower to deliver warm water. "I really like wet rooms but the floor gets wet which makes drying your feet afterwards a pain."
"Well they are certainly better if you wish to share a shower given there tends to be more space to move around." Amistathya walks over after grabbing her shower gel.
"I am not sure how you are going to take this but I love the faint brushed finish to your skin. I have only just noticed given the bright light in here."
"Thank you. While I hated it at first because it reminded me... I have however grown to quite like it. This is the first time you have seen me up close with good light Sam, hence why I was nervous. I do not blame you for not noticing earlier." Sam leans forward and pulls Amistathya into the shower. "Hey."
"I thought you needed a hand." Amistathya gives Sam a friendly push with a smile. "What?" Sam shrugging before piling the shower gel on his head.
"I am capable of walking into a shower Sam." Sam busy lathering his hair into a white foamy mass, a slight smile on his face.
"Are you nervous or looking at me Amistathya?" Sam watching on as Amistathya admires the view. Sam gets a handful of lather and puts it on Amistathya's head. She tries to brush it off, much to his amusement. "Are you going to actually have a shower with me as I am nearly half done?" Sam trying not to get soap in his mouth as he washes his face.
"Sorry Sam. I think we should have explained to each other what we can and cannot do first."
"Well to be honest I am fairly happy with you wandering as you please. If you wish to avoid the obvious then that is up to you." Sam was trying to keep the discussion clean; it was a shower after all.
"I am ok with anything except between my legs Sam."
"How about we stick to washing ourselves mostly. If you could kindly help me with my back and I will help you with your folds. We can always go a little further another day."
"I like that idea." Amistathya now finally begins to wash herself as Sam has finished around the genitals and is onto the legs. "What really surprises me is how much hair you have."
"I do not have chest and back hair Amistathya. I think it is reasonably fair to say where I have hair you have markings."
"Unless I have not noticed having some faint markings around my nipples I do not think that is quite true." Amistathya having a grin on her face as she looks down towards her legs as she washes them, rather than at Sam.
"If there was a sponge or something similar I would have thrown it at you by now." Sam leaning up against the wall, a slight smile on his face as he watches Amistathya.
"Sponge?" Amistathya looking up at Sam with her head on a slight tilt as she washes her feet.
"Think of a lump of open cell foam. Do you not know English from our meld?"
"No Sam. I got some memories such as you digging holes in the sand on a beach when you were younger. Knowledge however is usually discarded given it has no meaningful structure or order to the other person." Amistathya being a bit of a show-off standing on one leg while washing the other and talking.
"When my head feels a little less confused you may like to learn. It is difficult for me at times to express what I think without it."
"I would appreciate that Sam." Sam nods with a smile. "Could you?" Amistathya points to the back of her head.
"I would appreciate you telling me how best to go about it."
"The ends are easy. The crease in-between the folds and my head is the tricky bit. I did find putting some shower gel on your finger was nice but it hurts my arms doing it myself."
"How about we both sit down, it is not like we have to rush." Amistathya seemed keen on the idea and does so having he back of her head just in the shower. Sam sits down putting his legs either side of her. He puts some gel on his finger and starts at the left side. "I apologise if you find the following offensive but could I ask if I could call you Ami as I find it difficult to always remember to pronounce your name correctly?"
"Ami..." Amistathya takes a while to think. "I actually like that suggestion Sam. My parents used to call me Athya in private which I sort of liked but it has no real meaning to me."
"I am relived you like the suggestion. I have been worried about asking you for a while as I know some people really like their full name. Could I ask how you usually keep your folds clean if you do not use a cloth or your fingers?"
"I collect water in the crease, then pour a bit of gel in. I then agitate the water before rinsing. It is, not as nice as..." Amistathya having to bite her lip as her body tenses up. Sam realises what is happening.
"I guess the varying sensitivity gives you some rather wild sensations. If you like it that much then you may as well have some satisfaction from it Ami." Sam strokes her folds lightly with his other hand which seems to push her over the edge. Her body shivers a little before she breaths out as her body relaxes. Sam finishes the last bit on the right. "Done." Amistathya gives her head a quick rinse as she turns around to face Sam, a large smile on her face. "I assume from the physical reaction that..." Amistathya cuts Sam off by going in for a relatively short kiss. "you liked it..." Sam finishing what he had on his mind, still trying to figure out quite what had happened.
"Thank you Sam." Amistathya giving him a hug this time.
"Do some Asari have a slight bitterness to their tongues or is it from the fact you cannot taste anything?"
"I apologise for kissing you if it was unpleasant. They did warn me about that hence why I kept it short."
"You have no need to worry Ami as the taste is not sharp enough to be unpleasant. You however never cease to amaze me quite how complex you are." Amistathya blushes a little. "Could you at least wash my back now as I am shrivelling up?" Sam spins around and Amistathya carefully washes Sam's back. She seemed a little disappointed that it did not gain a bigger response from Sam. "I appreciate your deft marked fingers gently washing my back Ami." Sam turning around to look at the satisfied expression on the sky blue one.
"No problem, I do feel a little guilty that I got more out of this than you." Sam moves to the side and points to a small white puddle on the floor.
"You have no need to worry; this evening has been remarkably enjoyable for me." She gives Sam a quick hug before turning the shower off and getting a towel. "Although I am wishing now that I was facing the other way." Sam sticks his hand over the shower head before turning it back on spraying Amistathya a little. "Whoops." A grin on his face as Amistathya looks not best pleased but then gains a smile moments later. Sam eventually gets the spray right and washes away the deposit before also grabbing a towel.
"Talima told me before I first met you that Amistathya had a translation. Would you be willing to tell me what it is?"
"Five petted flower with a stem that is nearly bright, is the rough, literal translation Sam." A hint of pride in her voice. "Or pale stemmed flower if you prefer."
"That is a wonderful meaning to a name Ami. Do you dislike me for wanting to call you Ami as your name has a meaning which would not be the same if it was changed?" Sam was hoping not as he would hate to be insulting.
"No, Asari is not easy for you it seems Sam so I understand perfectly well. Also Ami is a corrupted form of Aimis, an old, long disused Asari word for a five petted flower, which I like as a friendly name."
"Hold on. Five fingers or toes as the petals, your arm or leg as the stem and the ends of the braid as the roots holding the stem into the ground, or in your case your body. It is a near perfect description of your markings." Sam wondering how many more surprises she had. Amistathya smiles as she holds her right arm in the air and separates her fingers, the back of her hand facing Sam so he can see the caps on her fingers becoming the lines down the back of her hand to twist and make the braid at her wrist. "I cannot express how brilliantly smart that name is." Amistathya puts her arm back down.
"It is the only reason I have kept it Sam. I find it annoying when people mispronounce it as it looses all meaning and I feel they are insulting me for my markings."
"I have no doubt slipped up several hundred times. I apologise deeply for that but my native language wants me to pronounce it slightly wrong. At first I had to remember each time but it is getting easier for me."
"You are not the only one Sam. I have had people complain that it should be spelled t,h,a,y,a at the end but that would be pronounced Aymi-stath-ayea or warehouse trunked flower which is silly." Sam laughs.
"I can see how people would get confused from Aymi-sta-theia though. The subtleties make Asari so annoying to get right, especially when they must be disused words as I could not translate them, I think I am getting better over time though."
"You have been steadily improving each day as you say Sam. At least you usually get my name right which is better than some. I understand it is not a conventional name so it could be seen as a bit confusing but still." Amistathya sighing
"It is almost as if I knew Ami would be a nice choice." Sam getting a bit of a laugh for that comment as the two of them get dressed.
------
"Sorry about that you two, it ended up a little more productive than I thought." Sam thinking productive inferred just enough.
"As long as you cleaned up the mess." Lianta having a small smile on her face as the two of them stand up from the sofa.
"I did and I hope you two do as well." Sam thinking they must have a bit of fun sometime. Hymara picking up on Sam's quizzical look.
"Lianta gets turned on by all the scars." Lianta looking a little sheepish but not blushing. All Sam and Amistathya could do was smile as they walked towards the bathroom. Sam waited until he heard the door close before speaking up.
"It must be a commando thing with the scars, although I guess some people do not find markings sexy."
"And you do Sam?" Amistathya asking in a bit of a teasing manner.
"Ami, your wondrous hands melted straight through me. I am putting it down to the markings although it could just be incredible skill." Amistathya seems to not know what to say, her face going a little lilac. "I think now would be a good time for bed as my head is not causing me problems after that shower." The two of them walk into their room locking the door as they go.
"For the first time in decades I have had someone else give me pleasure. I will sleep with a warm glow inside tonight. Thank you again for that Sam."
"There is no need to thank me Ami." Sam quickly stripping off and diving into the soft bed. "Oh and a comfy bed as well. Can this get any better?"
"Yes it can, but at the moment it cannot." Amistathya bringing Sam down a little. He knew it would be better if they could meld so she did have a point. Amistathya jumps into the other side of the bed, slides over and goes for a kiss. Sam puts his arms around her and gently pulls her closer as their tongues playfully fight each other. Amistathya breaks off after a minute or so with a smile on her face as she shuffles back over to her side and puts her head on the pillow. "Sleep well Sam."
"You too Ami." With that Sam turns off the light.
------
"Why did you not let me shower with you Fosanta?" A tinge of disappointment was evident in her voice as she lies in the bed looking towards the ceiling.
"You need to pace yourself Kate. While I would really like to meld with you I would rather have it as something to look forward to. Do you think you can make it until Friday?"
"I think I can manage that. Can you think of something to make it worth my wait?"
"Are you not happy enough with me?" Fosanta looking towards Kate who looks back.
"Of course I am Fosanta. I just wanted something a bit different to look forward to. Is that unreasonable?"
"No. I will try and think of something Kate."
"Thank you. Sleep well."
"You too." The pair of them stick their heads down and go to sleep.
------
Notes.
A super length chapter to give people more to read at once which is never a bad thing. At least we seem to be finding more out about Amistathya now. What will the two of them do while on the Citadel. Find out in the next chapter which will appear tomorrow.
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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)