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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
- 35
- 36
- 37
Chapter 36 - Everyone Together
Thursday 2nd February 2017
-------
Kate and Fosanta walk into the kitchen to find Sam and Amistathya already up and eating breakfast. "Morning you two. Did you sleep well?"
"I slept well Sam." Fosanta looking the spritelier of the two.
"I am ok Sam. You seem much better this morning?"
"I slept quite well Kate, probably because I was so tired from yesterday. I am glad you are no longer blue. Ami said that my mind should fix the mistake." Kate does not seem bothered. "Anyway you look tired this morning. Care to say why?"
"Just something that is on my mind Sam."
"I can tell you do not want to say. I understand that Kate."
"Why are you two up so early anyway?" Fosanta plonking herself on a stool to begin eating.
"I have no idea. I just felt it was a good time to get up. I have no idea why as today the only thing I need to do is help Ami with something."
"And help me Sam." Adastra wondering in.
"That as well. Did you have a late night Adastra as you look a bit tired as well?"
"I think next time it will be Friday nights for watching things." Sam laughs a little as Seliha walks in looking no fresher.
"I should be around most of the day to help you Adastra."
"I am pleased to hear that Sam as I am not progressing too well with the design." Adastra gets back to eating but notices Kate. "Did you get a late night as well Kate?"
"No just did not sleep well."
"We best be going Adastra as I really need an early start today." Seliha stuffing the last of her food in her mouth. Adastra nods before moving her dish to the sink.
"I will see you all later." The four of them nod and the two of them leave the kitchen.
"I am guessing you two are going a little later today?"
"Yes half an hour Sam as I am waiting for some testing equipment and Kate does not have an appointment until ten."
"So you really do not want to say anything Kate?"
"I cannot understand how you had no choice Sam?"
"You would also have little choice Kate but I do not think Fosanta wants to see where the limits are. It could be because Ami is still young I do not know."
"Fosanta wants to show I would have no choice. She said in the next two months. That is what kept me up." Kate finally spilling the beans.
"Really Fosanta?" She nods. "I am sure Fosanta would be willing to talk to you about it Kate. Just be careful not to give away any ideas as I can think of a couple you would dislike."
"Promise me you will not tell Fosanta Sam."
"I do Kate as this is between you and Fosanta." Kate nods in relief that Sam will not be giving Fosanta hints.
"I think we had best be leaving. I will see you both this evening." Fosanta getting up from the table.
"If I see Kate looking annoyed I know it was in the Skylounge at lunchtime." Sam laughs at Kate's expression. "It was not an idea, just a location and a time."
"If that does happen I am going to be annoyed at you Sam for suggesting it."
"Have a good day Kate." Sam not getting a reply as the two of them leave the house to head to Armali. "Do you think Kate has already lost, given she is so paranoid?"
"What I would do is absolutely nothing but just keep dropping hints that I will."
"I was wondering yesterday how you can be so likeable and friendly and yet so cold at the same time. Anyway for the next two days when there is no one in the house you may act as you did on the Citadel. The arm rule stays and I can add others as I see fit does that sound reasonable Ami?"
"It does Sam. So when are we going to modify the contract?"
"I am sure you know what I am about to say?"
"That I was mean to you on the Citadel so you are going to do the same now?" Amistathya stating it as more of a fact than a question. Sam nods.
"You are good at this game Ami. I was actually contemplating dropping the contract entirely but Seliha still seems a little off somehow."
"Why do you think that?"
"She is usually as talkative as Adastra but it is almost as if she is waiting for something to happen, quite what I do not know. Anyway I believe you have a message to send?" Sam standing up.
"Maybe two I am unsure." Amistathya joining sam in walking out of the kitchen to head upstairs.
"Well in the top room there are three consoles so you can have a choice. I need to get some work done with Adastra." The two of them go up to their top room with Amistathya taking the console next to Sam. "Who is the second message for Ami?
"Well actually third message Sam and I thought Fosanta may be interested in my idea." A slight smile on her face as she turns to Sam.
"You enjoy being mean too much Ami."
"You would rather Fosanta actually do something potentially distressing to Kate Sam?" Sam just puts his head in his hands and begins laughing.
"Hello Sam. Are you ok?" Sam looks up at the screen, Adastra looking a little worried.
"I am fine Adastra. I have just been played yet again and it is infuriatingly annoying that Ami is right and yet so wrong. No I am sure you can think of something else Ami." Sam leaning over to stop Amistathya sending the message.
"It is the least mean option Sam."
"What are you two on about?"
"I cannot believe I am going to say this but do it. You are so annoying at times." Amistathya presses send and leans back with a smile of a job well done. "Adastra, with you not picking us up last night you missed out on a few things. It will have to wait until later but you might find out at lunch time. Anyway where are you with the design?"
"I have tried sorting out the simulation problem but the only way to do it is to break the design it seems?" Sam has a look as to what has happened and is rather intrigued as to how some of the problems have been solved. He can see where the problem is but not how to fix it. The two of them ponder the design for a while.
------
"Hi Fosanta."
"Oh, hello Whesiva. How is your apartment?"
"It is good, a lot bigger than I need but the space is nice. I have just been told that it is test day on Saturday and it is mostly nebula class bioamps we will be testing."
"Yes it is nebula testing and Adastra with her pulsar class design. We are going to essentially get no new data from Adastra at all as the sensors that are in her amp are all but useless."
"Why?"
"The pulsed nature of the amplifier messes with the sensors. I have spent the last two weeks trying to create a system which will attempt to recreate the data so we can get something useful from the next test design."
"Interesting. Could I ask if you know anything about the Terasol class design as I found it in a file earlier but I have never heard of it at all on Thessia?"
"Terasol? Really Whesiva?"
"It was in an old set of testing notes I needed to look at from three years ago. The results of the testing were not recorded and I can find no design files for it."
"I am sure it is just an old design then."
"Fosanta there are no testing results for that scheduled testing session. Not even for the standard or developmental parts. I have gone through a few previous and following sessions and there is no mention at all of Terasol."
"Do you have anywhere you need to be for an hour or so?"
"Not really why?"
"Well we either should not know about this and that file needs wiping or I need to know more as I am designing a system for just the two different amplifier designs. If there is another design it may not work." Fosanta sends a message to Usarta before looking in her inbox to find one from Amistathya.
Fosanta,
Do nothing for the two months, just keep dropping hints you might.
Amistathya
Fosanta smiles and shakes her head. "What is it Fosanta?"
"It does not matter Whesiva but it was just a ridiculous idea someone had." Usarta opens the door and walks in.
"You wanted me Fosanta?"
"Well it was Whesiva who found this out but is there another bioamp design other than the Nebula and Pulsar ranges?"
"No Fosanta, why do you ask?"
"I am making this data acquisition system for these two designs specifically and it may not work on a third design."
"There is no third design."
"So why did I find reference to a Terasol design this morning which I have never heard of whilst working on Thessia?" Usarta seems a little flustered.
"I need to know where you found that reference Whesiva but yes Terasol is a strange reverse pulsar design for individuals who instead of pulse charging and linearly discharging, linearly charge and pulse discharge. Four percent of our clients are pulsed biotics and about eight percent of those cannot use one of the other two designs. We would be unable to make any profit on the design, one of the reasons it has been quietly sidelined."
"Would pulse discharging not cause an excessive recovery time?"
"Indeed Whesiva. The designers found these biotics were relatively weak and the longer they used their biotics the longer the recovery time was. For example their biggest push caused about a minute of recovery. Interestingly they could manipulate fields for up to thirty seconds at a time, but the recovery period was upwards of five minutes and caused a static charge build-up."
"They are the individuals we are told to say we cannot provide amps to on Thessia."
"Yes it is. Terasol was designed to allow the use time to be longer with no extra recovery time. We found that although the design seemed to work the very large static charge left on the individual made it dangerous for them to be touched for up to a minute afterwards. We deemed this too risky and hence shelved the design."
"Could I at least have a look at the design as I did my university thesis on discharge systems so I am not really an amplifier specialist. I could maybe make it work."
"I did petition the council board to provide extra funding to this project as it would allow us to increase our range. I will give you access to the files but if any of this leaks out you will not have a job. Do you understand this Whesiva?"
"I do. How long do I have?"
"On paper you start here on Monday so you have until Sunday to make the changes you want to the design. You can skip testing to continue working if you wish but you must do all work inside the facility. If you have a simulatable design by Sunday then I will let you produce it on one of the more advanced manufacturing machines in the propulsion building. You will need to get friendly with someone who has access."
"Why does the propulsion building have more advanced machines than we do?" Whesiva confused as to why something so large needs such accuracy.
"Our thrusters have to stay competitive with Salarian and Turian manufacturers. We do not have the high specification of the Salarian designs or the easily repairable nature of the Turian designs. We compete on price and build quality. The advanced manufacturing machines in the building allow us to keep prices low and quality high, which means price conscious companies or those who want good tolerances and reliability buy our designs."
"I guess because there is less competition in bio-amps then there is less need for the absolute best."
"We cycle machinery around to get the most use out of it possible. The Thessia upgrade that is happening now will get the same machines as are in the propulsion building. This department will get the old machines from Thessia."
"I see how that works. So Illium is for development only?"
"Yes, it is another reason why all testing designs are 15mm even though the design will eventually be 10mm when produced in a couple of years time in Thessia."
"I understand now. I already know Sam and I am guessing I will meet Adastra shortly as well so I can get to the building if I need to."
"Good. If you can find a suitable individual to test this design next Thursday then that is when I would like all testing to be done as I know the testing labs are free and you will be undisturbed. If you cannot find an individual then the design will be shelved again for the moment until either there is renewed interest or the Thessia refit has been completed."
"Do we have a portable field sensor that I can use to track down individuals with?"
"Yes Whesiva, store room one seven two six three. Sign it out and make sure it comes back in the same condition." Whesiva nods and leaves. "So do you think your system will cope with a reverse pulsar design Fosanta?"
"If that is all it is then I can see no reason why not but if it is more complicated than that then it may not."
"Ok, you will probably be needed for testing but I am sure Whesiva would like a hand integrating some sensors into the design on Sunday. I am sure you can use the flexi-time you have to your advantage. As I said to Whesiva if what you are doing gets out then you will have no job."
"I understand."
"Have a pleasant day and I will be interested in what you come up with on Sunday." Fosanta nods and Usarta leaves.
"Well that was unexpected." Fosanta musing to herself before getting back to her messages. She sends a quick reply to Amistathya before noting it is lunch time and heading to the Skylounge.
-------
Amistathya had managed to squeeze herself on Sam's chair behind him, looking over his shoulder at the screen. "Oh lunchtime. I will be back in a bit Sam and Athya."
"Ok Adastra." Sam just about getting his words out before Adastra disconnects. "Ami, could I ask why you wished to sit behind me?"
"Would you rather I did not Sam?" The Asari looking a little saddened at that notion.
"I feel less safe when you are and I wish you would stop licking the back of my neck." Amistathya cracking a smile.
"You like it really Sam."
"Not when I am trying to concentrate on work Ami. You have a reply from Fosanta anyway." Sam motioning to her console. Amistathya gets up off the seat and opens the message.
Amistathya,
I would rather get it done with in say the next couple of weeks than to keep it going so long.
Fosanta
"See I said."
"If Adastra, Seliha and Fosanta are bioamp testing on Saturday does that mean..."
"No Ami. You are not to manipulate Kate while everyone else is away."
"You could do it for me." The innocent tone colliding with the smile on her face.
"Ami if I am overly mean for no reason to Kate then I will let Seliha have you for the day with instructions to be as evil as she wishes."
"You would not Sam."
"It is up to you if you want to take the risk Ami. You need to understand that you can be happy without being mean to other people. Anyway lunchtime, are you coming to get something as well?" Sam already up from his chair and half way to the door. Amistathya gets up and follows.
------
Fosanta and Adastra walk towards the table at the same time. "You two are a bit later today?" Seliha sounding a little like she was on a fishing trip.
"I was having a discussion with Usarta about Saturday's testing as Adastra's current bioamp still has the old sensor design which is nearly useless."
"So am I still testing?"
"Yes as we can still measure output. It is just we have no idea how the amplifier is working internally." Adastra nods.
"So why were you late Adastra?" Seliha still on her mission to find out.
"Sam seemed a little distracted with Athya behind him and I was curious as they really seem to have changed since being on the Citadel. I am intrigued as to what happened."
"I am not saying anything."
"Bit defensive there Kate. Did they say something embarrassing on the shuttle?"
"No, just something I wish I had not have found out about." Adastra looks to Fosanta.
"Amistathya has been messing with Sam's mind." Adastra and Seliha start laughing a little.
"What is so funny?" Kate seemingly not pleased but it could be from the lack of sleep.
"She is testing the strength of the bond between them Kate. She is probably keeping a close eye out for any particularly interesting or desirable traits Sam has as well."
"Why wou... never mind." Kate figuring out why.
"I am sure Fosanta will give you first hand experience eventually Kate. Anyway I must leave to get back to this design as we are getting somewhere."
"I have a ton of work to get through as well." Seliha getting up and following Adastra.
"You are making me nervous Fosanta, could we not just get this over with today?"
"No Kate as that is you choosing when it is happening, just trust me and it will all be fine. I will see you later." Fosanta gets a nod off Kate before heading back to work.
------
"I am warning you now before we start, if you lick my neck again there will be problems. Do you understand that Ami?" Sam looking at the sky blue one who had settled back down behind him.
"Yes Sam." Sam turns around to find Adastra is back, with a slight smile on her face.
"I see you are having some trouble Sam. We can always come back to this later if you want?"
"Could I ask if being irritating is just a part of being young Adastra?"
"It does not help Sam but we discussed this over lunch. Myself and Seliha seem to think there is another reason."
"Wou..." Sam closes his eyes and sighs. "Ami, please could you go and stand in the middle of the room. I do apologise Adastra."
"I do not think it is your fault Sam." Sam nods to the screen.
"Ami stand on the tips of your toes and hold your arms out so your hands are level with your shoulders. You are to stay like that until I say otherwise, letting your arms drop or putting your heal on the floor will get you punished. Understand Ami?"
"Yes."
"Good now I can get back to work. Where were we...?"
"The hydrogen pressure valve Sam. The simulator is complaining the part is very close to failing."
"Is it heat or pressure related?"
"More heat Sam."
"Would it be safe enough to expand some of the compressed oxygen to cool parts? I know there is a stupidly large fire risk but it is something that would have quite a bit of cooling power."
"I thought we would need it for burning the plasma Sam?"
"We only need enough to make the plasma more stable Adastra. We can use the leftover oxygen for cooling if we can make things out of ceramics so they do not oxidise under the high heat."
"I think I can do that. You keep an eye on Athya Sam." Sam looks up to see she did not look quite as cheery now.
"How are you feeling Ami?"
"My legs are starting to feel sore and my arms seem to be getting heavier."
"I could have guessed that, anything I could not guess?"
"No Sam."
"Good. I think you are going to give up very soon as you are just complying to humour me. The punishment for failing will be going to eternity naked."
"Please no Sam."
"You have had ten minutes, how about we say another five plus five for begging. Think you can manage that?"
"I guess I could manage another five at a push Sam."
"Ten more it is then. I never said you had to be stood upright though, you could crouch down as long as your heals are still off the floor and you arms are still level with your shoulders." Amistathya wisely decided to stay upright.
"I have made a rough modification Sam." He looks at the design checking every few seconds to see if Ami has put her feet down.
"That looks like it might work. Could I ask what your theory was over lunch time?"
"Sorry Sam." Sam gave Adastra a not impressed face before looking back at Amistathya.
"Sorry I am going to have to leave you for five minutes." Sam gets up from his chair and walks over to Amistathya to be able to keep a closer eye on her. "You have gone over your five minutes. Were you underestimating yourself so you could get out of this sooner?"
"No Sam I thought you might have met me half way at about eight more." Amistathya's legs were shaking badly from the strain now.
"I know this is rather harsh given your slightly weaker muscles so I will bargain with you, for every minute you go over you get a point which can be exchanged for something nice of your choosing." Sam was confident she would barely make the target time let alone go further.
"How do you expect me to manage that Sam?"
"I do not, hence why it is of your choice and not mine. I would be very careful your legs do not shake too much so your heal touches the floor Ami. I would hate to see you fail in the last two minutes. You do know if you do fail that the journalists will probably be in Nos Astra, and we will have a number of commandos with us as well as everyone inside eternity."
"You are very mean Sam."
"So now you know what I felt like. Have you learnt anything from standing here for nearly nineteen minutes?"
"Not to underestimate you."
"Not quite what I was expecting but it will do. I would really advise you to keep your heal off the ground as it is getting very close." Sam keeping a close eye now on the obvious failing point as her arms have stayed fairly steady, if a little shaky throughout. "This reminds me of Thessia."
"And you promised you would not manipulate me."
"I have half tempted to give you a couple more minutes for saying that. Ami I am not manipulating you. I am not getting anything out of you, if anything this is wasting my time as much as it is yours. You have thirty seconds left. Are you tempted to make me manipulate Kate on Saturday now Ami?"
"I thought you did not have it in you."
"I will still drag you to eternity if you put your heals down in the next ten seconds." Sam making sure she got the point he was being serious. "three, two, one. Ok Ami you can relax now." Sam gets up from the floor and gives her a small hug. "You can sit behind me again if you wish. All I ask is for you not to annoy me again. Is that ok Ami?" She manages a nod and the two of them go back to sitting on the chair. "Again my apologies Adastra."
"I do not think Athya was expecting you to push back Sam."
"You make it sound like I should not have done Adastra?"
"I will let Athya talk to you about it. I need to look at a part to physically get an idea how it works before I leave here for the day. I will leave this until tomorrow now."
"Oh Adastra, can Ami and I get a lift in with you tomorrow? We hopefully should have something to pick up and I would actually like to have a chat with Whesiva for a few minutes."
"Of course, you will have to make your own way back however."
"I figured that. Talk later." Adastra nods before the connection breaks. "I could really do with getting a couple of items from Nos Astra and perhaps a drink. I also think we need to get some water for you as well. Would you like to go now or talk first Ami?"
"Talk about what?"
"Why me pushing back was a problem." Amistathya sighs.
"It is not like I can do it again. Ok Sam. There are various methods for testing how strong a bond is between two individuals before thinking of settling with them. Usually only one test is needed, sometimes two. I thought the first was a little rigged in my favour with my manipulations, the second was ambiguous and this is also ambiguous."
"Ami, forget the testing and just think back over the last week and two days. What do you feel the answer is?"
"Convention says that it is usually about three hundred and fifty when most Asari wish to settle with an individual. I have through various life happenings been forced to settle on Illium as a servant from a young age. I am concerned that I might become restless now I feel there is something to look forward too."
"I understand that Ami but it is what feels right for you, nothing else matters. What do you honestly feel?"
"I feel the bond is very strong but I do not really know until we can properly meld and enjoy each other. That is why I have been looking for alternate ways of finding out."
"That makes sense. Anyway do you want to go for a trip to Nos Astra?"
"I will go with you Sam." The two of them go downstairs with Sam requesting a shuttle for six to come and pick them up on his Omni-tool as they descend the stairs. The two of them go next door to pick up some commandos. Sam rings the doorbell with Hymara answering. "Hello Hymara. If there are two more bored people in there that would like to come along for a trip to Nos Astra to get a few things then it would be appreciated. I would like less bruises on Ami and four individuals should make that easier."
"I will see if anyone wants to come along but there are no guarantees." Sam nods as Hymara disappears from the door.
"What is it you want to get Sam?"
"Pallet wrap, some black material, a few chairs, a small desk and some rope that is good to work with."
"A rather odd list, what are you planning?"
"There are so many jokes you can play with clear pallet wrap. I thought Adastra might appreciate a childish joke. The rest of the stuff is for making a corner of the basement feel a little less like a basement."
"Why would you want to do that?"
"I have my computer from Earth down there and I quite liked using it on the Enlighten. The problem at the moment though is that sitting on cardboard boxes or the pallet that is down there is not that comfortable."
"Can I see it Sam?"
"You mean see it working?" Amistathya nods with enthusiasm. "Possibly Saturday as I think you have tomorrow mostly planned."
"Not really Sam." Sam laughs a little before Hymara reappears with three others following.
"Hello you two I had forgotten you were still here."
"Very funny Sam. This must be Amistathya?" Sam nods. "Hello, I am Kalawa, myself and Selayla are technically protecting Fosanta." Amistathya nods to the two of them.
"Could you tell us why you need four of us Sam?"
"From the start. You can both call Amistathya Athya if you wish; you will hear me call her Ami. She would rather no one else call her that." The two of them nod. "Basically do not touch or let the journalists touch Ami, she still has a bit of a bruise from when that happened on the Citadel. I think that is about it."
"So it is a journalist problem?"
"Yes Selayla."
"That would explain the large amount of articles that I saw earlier this week. You are not exactly popular with some people Sam."
"Well it is impossible to please everyone all of the time Kalawa."
"I guess you have not read the articles then?" Sam shakes his head. "There are a lot of people out there annoyed and puzzled as to why you have gone for someone they describe between average and ugly. I personally quite like individuals with lighter markings."
"Hold on not lighter markings as well. Is there anything some people actually like?"
"Perfect blue skin with no blemishes and a moderate amount of facial marking in dark blue with blue eyes. They also cannot have an Asari father. That is their idea of perfect and there are contests right across Thessia for exactly this."
"I am guessing you went in for them then Selayla?"
"My skin is not evenly coloured enough Sam but yes I do seem to be rather liked amongst Asari because of me fitting that definition of good looking." The shuttle lands on the visitors pad. "The only individuals I personally do not like much are those with purply red markings, it makes them look permanently angry." Sam laughs a little as the six of them start walking to the shuttle.
"Why are we going to Nos Astra Sam?"
"I want to get a few things and unless anyone has a complaint Eternity is not all that far away." Sam looks around and sees no one making any obvious complaints.
------
Fosanta gets a message just as Kate opens the shuttle door to head back to the house.
Fosanta,
We will be a couple of hours until we are back. Kalawa and Selayla wanted a walk so they have tagged along. Hope you do not mind.
Sam
"That is nice, Sam taking my security with him. It is not like I was intending to go anywhere this evening though."
"Do you know where they have gone?"
"No idea Kate but since they are going to be a couple of hours they can make their own food." The two of them enter the house to find Adastra and Seliha in the seating area comparing something on their Omni-tools.
"Does either of you know why Sam wants a lift in to Armali tomorrow?"
"I did not even know he wanted to Adastra. He has been acting a little strange lately."
"You have no idea what happened this afternoon Fosanta. Athya is definitely testing Sam but she was not expecting what happened."
"He did not?" Seliha asking with curiosity on her face. Adastra nods.
"I am not going to ask as it has nothing to do with me." Kate keeping out of it.
"That is ok Kate, it is better if you did not know."
------
The six of them began to head to eternity, a number of bags in hand. Amistathya confused as to what had just happened but she was reluctant to ask in public. "No journalists. Maybe they only work Friday to Sunday on Illium."
"It might just be they do not expect you to be around any other day Sam." They walk in to Eternity to find it practically empty with just a couple of individuals near the entrance. It was not entirely unexpected given it was early evening and a Thursday.
"Surprised to see you here. Just yourself from the group today babe?" The six of them head to the table nearest the bar.
"It is good to see you Aethyta. Yes just me today as it was a bit of an unplanned visit." Aethyta walks around from the behind the bar to the table where the six of them had sat down.
"I read some interesting articles earlier this week, good to meet you Amistathya." She nods with a little restraint.
"From what I have heard I do not think they quite understand the current arrangement. Ami is my indentured servant. Oh and if you wish you can call her Athya instead."
"Certain individuals would be glad to hear that. What would you all like?"
"Well I think Hymara said I should try the honey mead last time so I will." Aethyta nods. "What would the quiet one like?" Amistathya shrugs. "I am guessing elasa was the base to the strong and fruity floor cleaner I had last time?" Aethyta laughs a little at the description.
"It was."
"I am sure she would appreciate elasa on its own." Aethyta seems unsurprised that the commandos all want the honey mead as well and goes off to collect their drinks. "Does Gemayha only work weekends Aethyta?" Sam shouting over to the bar.
"There is no need to have her around at any other time given it is so quiet." Sam nods. "The articles said you had been to a clinic on the Citadel."
"I thought I told them that it was just advice and I am fine. I really do not understand why it is such a big deal?" Aethyta brings the drinks over.
"They are desperate to know more about you. I can see you have no intentions of humouring them."
"You are correct as I cannot understand why they should know everything about me." Sam takes a swig of the honey mead. "Well it is good if a touch sweet."
"I said it was good."
"Indeed Hymara, I would rather have something with an edge of bitterness though. Call it a personal preference. Actually that reminds me I have something I need to look for at some time as I cannot remember whether I brought it with me or not."
"I am not even going to ask what you have been reminded about this time." Sam laughs a little at Hymara's comment as he gets a message on his Omni-tool.
Sam,
Package was successfully dropped off.
Sam shows the message to Amistathya before the two of them laugh a bit. "Nearly the shortest message possible, I guess she must have been in a rush. How is the elasa going down Ami?"
"It is not bad."
"I could never drink that stuff straight personally. It needs something else to give it some flavour as it has hardly any taste." Kalawa clearly knowing nothing about Amistathya.
"Hymara, Lianta. I want you to actually talk with the other commandos a bit when you get back to the house as you clearly do not discuss even the basics amongst each other. I am a bit tired about having explain everything."
"Explain what?"
"If you want to know you are going to have to come around here Selayla as I need this keeping secret. You too Kalawa." The pair of them walk around to where Sam is sat and crouch down so they are about level. "Ami is unable to taste anything hence why I got something that probably does not have much taste. It would have been a waste otherwise."
"Really Sam?"
"Yes Kalawa. If you actually do talk to Hymara or Lianta I want everything keeping quiet though. Do you all understand?" Sam gets four nods. "Good. Well I am finished and I could do with getting some food."
"Sounds like a good idea." Lianta noting, the commandos having finished their drinks a good number of minutes previously. The six of them pay for the drinks and say goodbye to Aethyta before making their way back to the house.
------
"Are you sure it was not a few hours Fosanta." Kate thinking it was nearer three than two now.
"I am sure." Fosanta putting the last of the plates back into the cupboard. "I think I just heard the door." The two of them make their way to the door. "I see you have been shopping."
"Just for a few bits Fosanta. Oh and water for Ami."
"There is a tap Sam."
"Oh I know that Kate, it is doctor Thalmara's recommendation. Who am I to argue with someone who seems to know what they are doing."
"What else did you get?"
"A few bits to make using my computer in the basement a little more comfortable."
"You should have got some chairs or a desk or something Sam."
"They are arriving on Saturday Kate. Something else I have found out is that anything that you might not need instantly or is not easy to carry gets delivered."
"Actually you can usually go to their warehouse yourself and pick it up if you need it sooner."
"It is fine Fosanta, Saturday is more convenient. Where are the other two?"
"Upstairs Sam." Sam nods before going into the kitchen to make something to eat. Fosanta and Kate head upstairs.
"Can I ask why you wanted my opinion?" Amistathya not seem sure whether to ask or not.
"Is it all that difficult to remember you get to know what you are told Ami?"
"I apologise Sam. I was just confused."
"Ok let me ask you this, would you have willingly gone to Eternity had you failed earlier?"
"No Sam. You know what I was like on Thessia and that was just you."
"The rope, well more cord given its two part construction is handy for tying the sheets up in the basement. There are undoubtedly some other uses for it but I could also use some to tie your arms behind you so you would be less of a handful. This is why I wanted you to look at them and see which you thought would be the nicest out of the two I had narrowed it down to. I know now I have told you this you will resist me doing so."
"As I said when I first agreed to this Sam. I will try my hardest not to go against you but I feel much more restricted after the Citadel trip than I did before."
"I suppose this would be why Sha'ira said she thought I should get rid of the contract. The problem is I would find the balance shifted too much in your favour if I allowed that to happen unless some agreement was made. I can think of no better individual than yourself but I am at a natural disadvantage in one on one situations. I hope you can see roughly what I am getting at.
"You like me being like I have been recently but you need something to use to remind me when it is inappropriate."
"Exactly. I am wondering whether this stems from not having a lot of contact with others or not. If you can come up with some sort of balance I will be more tempted to scrap the contract early." Amistathya has a think for a few minutes as Sam prepares them both something to eat.
"I would need a better look at the rope and I would need you to agree to remove it if it is uncomfortable but I would willingly let you put a semi-permanent piece around my neck if you wanted. It would be a good reminder and I am sure you could find some way to use it if you needed."
"Well that is certainly not what I was thinking Ami as I am not too keen on physical restraint unless needed." Sam mulled over the idea whilst eating. "You would be perfectly happy with that though?" She nods with a smile to Sam. "Ok I have a proposal, if you agree to that idea then I will end the contract next time we come back to Illium. I know we will need to go off-world in March at the latest as we will no doubt need to sort out promotional things with Galactic Acceptance. It may well be in a couple of weeks given the rate I have been going off-world lately. Does that sound ok?"
"Why the wait?"
"Ok then Ami, next time we come back or the end of this month whichever is first."
"If I think the rope will be fine then I will agree as long as it is done on Saturday."
"That sounds good with me. I might be able to do some sorting out in the basement this evening before bed." Amistathya smiles as Sam takes her empty plate with his to the sink.
------
Sam and Amistathya walk up the stairs after shuffling boxes around in the basement. "The rope is rather nice Sam, the tight braid on the outside is quite smooth so I am happy enough with the decision."
"I am still not quite sure where I stand on your suggestion Ami. I suppose we will see on Saturday."
"If you do not like the idea Sam then I can always try and think of something else."
"No Ami. Try this first as you seem happy with the idea and I understand it is difficult with your skin and everything."
"Thank you." Sam puts his arm around Amistathya as the two of them approach the seating where the other four currently are.
"Could I ask what you are picking up at Armali tomorrow Sam?" Seliha not waiting until the two of them had sat down.
"A box of which I do not know what is inside so if that is what you wanted to know Seliha then you are out of luck. Sorry." Seliha gives Sam a bit of a disbelieving look. "Yes I could find out but I do not want to. I would also like to talk to Whesiva to see how she is settling in. It is going to be fun getting Ami in though. I have a feeling they might not take too well to her not being an employee."
"She seems to quite like her apartment even if it is oversized."
"So you have seen her today then Fosanta?"
"Yes Sam she came to get a second opinion on some test data." Fosanta fudging the truth a little.
"Fair enough. Kate, did Fosanta get you at lunch time?" Sam having a bit of a smile on his face as he stifles the laugh.
"No Sam. Thank you for reminding Fosanta though."
"What is this about Kate as you seemed very jumpy at lunch time?" Kate sighs.
"I may have mentioned something along the lines of how could Sam have no choice in what happened. I am assuming you can guess the rest Adastra."
"I apologise Kate." She looks a little confused at Adastra. "I could say what I think but you will not like it Kate."
"I would like to know Adastra." Adastra looks to Fosanta who nods seemingly having no problem with Adastra saying something.
"Do you remember when I said at lunchtime that I thought Athya was testing Sam." Kate nods wondering where this is going. "Well, to fight against Fosanta will mean you splitting, unless you can find a very fine line." Sam looks to Amistathya with a little smile, she returns the gesture. "I would however hate to advise you on how to succeed."
"So basically I have no choice?"
"No Kate. You always have a choice and that is how you can fail. The amount the test is biased by will determine how much of a price you have to pay to succeed. It is up to you to determine if it is reasonable."
"So it is a choice but I have to loose to win?" Adastra puts her head in her hand.
"No Kate." Sam piping up as he has heard enough. "I am going to have to ask someone else to continue as I promised not to give any hints."
"I will discuss this with you upstairs Kate as it is getting late." Kate nods. "Good night everyone." Everyone says night before Kate and Fosanta move from the seating area.
"She is going to get a surprise when she finds out."
"I am guessing you have an idea what is to happen Seliha?"
"It is going to have to be something that is not subtle and to prove a point." Sam is tempted to slow clap right about now but decides not to upset her when she seems to have switched.
-------
"Can you explain what is to happen Fosanta?"
"I need to plan this out better Kate so it will likely be next weekend. All I can say is that you will know when you see it and you can make your choice. Just do not worry at all Kate."
"So is that definitely next weekend?"
"Well I am very busy for the next few days at Armali and I need to ensure this is not too mean so it is highly likely Kate but not definitely or guaranteed."
"I feel a little happier I have a rough idea of the time this will happen. I am still dreading what will happen though."
"Kate you will be able to cope with everything and you may find it fun in the end. I will try and make it as nice as possible."
"That is hardly convincing Fosanta." Kate getting into the bed with Fosanta not far behind.
"Kate, you will enjoy and get a lot out of the experience. It may be a bit difficult in parts but it will be worth it. Just relax for a bit and forget about it Kate."
"I trust you Fosanta. I hope I sleep better tonight."
"I hope you do too. Good night Kate." Kate nods and Fosanta turns out the light.
-------
Notes.
Next chapter will be added tomorrow. This story is no up to the same point as the FanFiction.net version, but has all the better bits.
If you have made it this far and are wondering where the adult bits are then they are going to arrive soon. It is a bit more real life so you will not get epic action in every chapter but I hope that improves rather than detracts from the overall story. I appreciate you reading and if you could spare any time at all for a review/feedback or even a rating I would be grateful.
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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)