Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

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

Chapter List
- 41
- 42
- 43
Chapter 42 - Testing Midweek
Wednesday 8th February 2017
------
"Morning Seliha, you look a little tired." Kate and Fosanta just walking in to get breakfast.
"I actually feel fine. I think we are up earlier than usual as well." Seliha looks to Adastra.
"We are a little. You two look awfully cheerful for midweek."
"Did Sam mention that he let me have Amistathya for a while last night?"
"He seemed to skip that when I saw the two of them in the kitchen last night before going to bed. Were there any limits Fosanta?"
"Three Adastra, not to bruise her, not to insert anything and she could not speak. Anything else was on the table."
"And given I can hear the enthusiasm in your voice from upstairs Fosanta I am fully expecting you to ask me if you could have her again sometime." Sam walking in through the door with Amistathya close behind. "Morning you two." Seliha and Adastra nod.
"I would greatly appreciate it if I could Sam." Fosanta seemed to just manage to contain her excitement.
"I will see after we have moved. Adastra, Seliha I am open to giving you the same opportunity but I hope you understand that I would like to be in the room with you."
"I understand your caution after yesterday. How is your neck this morning Athya?"
"Tender but at least I do not have to be as careful as I did yesterday. I appreciate you asking however Adastra."
"What do you two do all night anyway? I would have had you down for either going out clubbing or fucking each other silly."
"We watched a couple of the new films recently released. They were not all that good to be fair." Sam nods to Adastra as he begins eating. "Is there anything I should know for the testing Sam?"
"Oh. hmm." He takes a moment to get his brain into the right subject after the abrupt topic change. "The switching speed needs testing to find the maximum it can do. Testing to see how it reacts to large transient loads would also be very helpful." Adastra nods. "Oh and do not message me with any details, wait until you get back to the house this evening."
"I will Sam. Are you ready to leave?" Seliha nods.
"Have a good day everyone." The four of them nod before Adastra and Seliha leave to head to Armali.
"Fosanta, have you and Kate actually talked yet?"
"About what Sam?"
"I stated on Sunday that Kate would probably be a good servant and Ami told me last night you seemed overly keen on being an owner." Fosanta tried her hardest to hide the purple tinge. "Ok I know the answer. You do not need to be embarrassed Fosanta as I would feel the same in the same situation. I have just had time to get comfortable with Ami. I will make sure not to mention this to anyone else."
"I appreciate that."
"Athya, could I ask how you felt after you left our room?"
"Rather tired Kate. What I was requested to do was easy, coping being in a room naked with two individuals who were free to do what they wish was anything but. Sam I need to thank you for helping me with that."
"How did Sam help?"
"There was only Sam who knew I like the inside of my folds touching Kate. I am thankful you asked Sam Fosanta as it was just enough to settle the anxiety."
"No problem Amistathya. We should be going Kate if you have an appointment at ten. I will see you both this evening."
"Have a good day." Sam and Amistathya nodding to the pair of them as they leave.
"Do you want some help with items for the box Ami or would you rather surprise me?"
"I am sure you would prefer the surprise."
"I will watch a film or play a game or something then." She nods as the two of them finish off their breakfast.
-----
Adastra and Seliha are walking to the lift when Adastra receives a message. "I wonder who that could be."
Adastra,
The thruster is in testing hall 2, floor fourteen of the propulsion building. I will be waiting to help you with testing.
Sephaila, head test engineer, plasma propulsion.
"Oh interesting. I did not know there were different test engineers for ion and plasma propulsion."
"It makes sense. Are you still going to let me have a look at one of them some time Adastra?"
"Of course Seliha. I just need to get today out of the way first as I doubt there will be much happening this morning other than basic tests."
"If you would like me to look at it then can it be tomorrow? It is testing again this weekend which makes Friday very busy."
"I will do my absolute best to do that Seliha." She gives Adastra a kiss and a smile before the lift doors open. "I will see you at lunch time." Seliha nods before heading towards the biotics building. Adastra quickly gets to the propulsion building using the long skybridge and is soon waiting to get to floor fourteen. She walks out into a small room with a door in front and a staircase to the right, an unknown Asari waiting at the bottom.
"Adastra?" She nods. "My name is Sephaila and I am going to help you to get all the test data that you may need from this thruster this morning."
"It is good to meet you. I was a little surprised Armali split the propulsion department so rigidly."
"Ion products are produced quickly and inexpensively unlike our plasma products. It is a natural split which they have taken on-board as the only similarity is an end product which provides propulsion." Adastra nods. "Would you like to have a look at the thruster first?"
"I would as looking at a screen never gives you a good feel for what you have actually designed." Sephaila opens the security door and gestures Adastra inside. The two of them walk into the testing hall with the mouth of the thruster facing them. "Oh."
"I get that reaction quite a bit with the twelve metre designs. The fact this thruster is fifty four metres in length with a standard thirty eight metre plasma tube surprised me."
"It is an awful lot bigger than I thought it would be looking at it on a screen."
"It is trying to imagine the scaling that throws you." Sephaila keeps walking down the side of the thruster with Adastra looking up at the large tanks, electromagnets, RF antenna and various cooling and electrical connections. All were meticulously laid out and Adastra had to laugh when she saw the back end of the thruster. "I had that exact same reaction. Who thought colouring the pipes was a good idea?"
"It was Sam as I was struggling to work out what was going where. I thought it was a reasonable idea as it would probably help servicing it later."
"A reasonable idea, it still looks silly having red and blue pipes when everything else is white or silver though." Adastra looks back at the pipes and laughs again.
"It is only a prototype at least. Could I ask if you know what the purpose of this design is?"
"No. Could you tell me as we walk to the control room?" Sephaila walks toward a metal staircase which seemed to lead to a small room in the middle of the hall wall.
"The design is to both see if splitting the water in the thruster is a good idea and to see how fast the plasma can be switched to see if it can be used in audio applications." Sephaila nods before gesturing Adastra into the room and closing the door.
"Do have a seat." Adastra takes a chair and wheels it closer to where Sephaila has just sat down in front of a large console. "Well the first goal is easy to test. I am sure you know how to start a plasma thruster."
"You are letting me turn it on?" She nods and Adastra gets a little giddy. Adastra does the usual checks before turning on the rf amplifier with an audible pop from the thruster. Adastra looks out of the window. "I think it started but I cannot see anything." Sephaila leans over and turns off all the lighting in the hall which clearly showed a faint blue glow emanating from the thruster. "It looks like an ion thruster."
"It does. As you know this thruster has a ceramic plasma tube so we must allow the temperature to stabilise first." Adastra nods seemingly fascinated by the weak blue glow coming out of something so large.
"What is the power use at the moment?"
"Thirty four Gigawatts Adastra. That is quite a lot higher than I would expect."
"The RF and electromagnet drivers have been doubled as well as the water splitter."
"I keep forgetting that this design is not gas fed. You can see what it can do if you wish Adastra, just keep it slow." She smiles and gradually increases the power watching the light blue hue turn to a deep blue cone.
"How much power is it using?"
"Sixty five Gigawatts Adastra. It is a little up on raw power but that is likely a result of the electromagnet drivers being improved."
"It looks impressive. The only thing that matters now is how it copes with transient loads and its response time."
"Do you want the response from ten to ninety percent Adastra or something smaller?"
"Is it slower if the change is smaller?"
"It depends on the drive software. On some thrusters it is."
"I am sure if it is software changeable then it does not matter, ten to ninety should be fine Sephaila." She nods and orders a couple of test programs to be run before starting the test. The thruster settles back down to idle before emitting five bangs which Adastra was sure she could feel the floor moving too. "Can you feel this in the building?"
"It is on a damped sled for testing and the building is designed to handle this kind of shock but yes on larger designs you can feel it."
"I wonder what the twenty metre one will be like." Adastra watches on as the thruster performs a reverse of the first test. It oddly seemed to make less noise in this test.
"You are going bigger than twelve?"
"Yes Sephaila. Usarta has agreed to it as these designs are to be demonstrated to the public in May."
"I see now why this was built so quickly. Four days is not long. Anyway if you want it for a speaker it is going to need some changes."
"What was the worst test?"
"The plasma creation time Adastra. You could get maybe two kilohertz from it at the moment at full power." Adastra opens her Omni-tool and does some calculations.
"So that means it will have ten percent amplitude slew at sixteen kilohertz?"
"It will probably be nearer zero Adastra as the driver boards are really not designed for switching quickly."
"I am asking your recommendation here, what do you think needs changing to give the improvements needed?" Sephaila looks at the test data.
"The plasma seems stable so the electromagnetic confinement is fine. I know it is going to ruin the efficiency if that is a design goal but, I would replace each driver board for two smaller ones which should switch faster and double the amount."
"I am guessing the RF antenna will have to be remade as well given it is going to have to handle double the power."
"More than likely unless you left a large safety margin in the design."
"I just used the standard design. I will have to have a talk to Samalya and Thea after lunch about how long the changes will take and the recommendations."
"If the RF antenna needs changing it will take two days to manufacture and replace it. The RF amplification boards are quite a bit quicker. I have seen this done many times."
"Ahh. So it will be Friday or Monday now then?"
"Since you have to design the part it will be Monday now since it is lunch time."
"Are you coming to the Skylounge?"
"Unfortunately I need to go to testing hall three to run some tests on the thruster in there before lunch. I am sure you can find your way out and I hope to see you on Monday Adastra." She nods and opens the door to see the lights in the hall turned back on. Adastra can hear the thruster clicking as she walks past it to get to the lift.
-----
Two Asari approach the reception desk, one having a slightly irregular gait as she walks which gains Holana's attention as a little different. "I am Holana. How can I help you both today?"
"I am not sure that you can help me Holana. I would like to ask if you know how I could get in contact with Amistathya?"
"I have had lots of individuals wanting to know how to contact Sam this week but none for Amistathya. What are your intentions? If you do not mind me asking." Holana having to make a conscious effort to try and be less cold.
"While meeting Sam would be nice Holana it is Amistathya who I am more interested in. I have not seen her for over several decades and the news articles last week made me feel guilty for not trying to do so before now."
"If you would wait then you could see Talima."
"What do you think Asanya?"
"She would probably be able to help you Nyphana."
"I will wait if that is ok with you Holana."
"Do take a seat, she will not be long."
-----
"I wonder where Adastra has got to." Fosanta a little curious.
"She no doubt is still with the plasma thruster."
"Actually I am here. It is a long walk along those testing halls." Adastra places her tray down on the table before taking the seat next to Seliha.
"What was it like?"
"It was quite impressive Seliha but it needs changes making before it is tested again. I will try and get you to see it then which is likely to be Monday now. I did get to turn it on for the first time though which was exiting."
"I cannot see how you can get so excited at turning something on."
"Kate, what about that jet engine?"
"Adastra does have a good point Kate as you were both a little giddy that evening."
"Sorry Adastra, maybe this morning is getting to me. It has just been long and annoying."
"Has anyone else got anything fun to do this afternoon?"
"Unfortunately Adastra the biotics department seem to be having a sleep before the rush to bioamp testing." Adastra laughs a little at Fosanta's description.
"I wish I could hang around but I have another meeting."
"I need to go as well. Have a good quiet afternoon you two." Seliha and Fosanta nod before Adastra and Kate leave.
"Your description was rather apt."
"I thought so. It is just really slow today. I must ask how you are today Seliha after yesterday."
"I am ok but I do feel conflicted."
"I think I can understand roughly what you mean Seliha. Just take it easy and try not to stress yourself." Seliha nods. "Do you think we should get back to not doing much?"
"I think so as I can always find something to do." Fosanta nods and the two of them head back to the biotics building.
-----
Amistathya walks down the stairs to the basement to see Sam playing on a game. Sam sits back and sighs as he dies once again. "Would you like some food?"
"Surprisingly setting the difficulty to hard makes it hard, who'd have guessed?" Amistathya smiles. "Yes food sounds good. How have you got on this morning?" The two of them make their way back up to the kitchen.
"I have nearly finished Sam. I guess they will be here Friday or Monday, which I hope is early enough."
"I think it should be since I haven't heard anything from Armali."
"I did not get much more for the box as I am weary about getting some things if we decided to have children shortly."
"Ami, you sometimes need to think of yourself. I believe the consort said that a couple of weeks ago."
"Ok Sam. I will finish off upstairs after lunch and then come and find you."
"I will probably be still on my computer. I may watch something though as that game was annoying me."
-----
"A good morning to you Nyphana. I am Talima. Would you care to follow me to somewhere more private?"
"I hope you do not mind if Asanya comes with me."
"Of course not." The two of them follow Talima to a small side room with a couple of comfortable sofas and a table in the middle. She gestures the two Asari to come in and take a seat before she locks the door and takes a seat on the spare sofa. "Holana informed me that you are trying to find out how to contact Amistathya. Is this true?"
"It is. Can you help me or do I need to go elsewhere to find her?"
"My apologies for not answering that question for the moment Nyphana. Holana was curious if it is a co-incidence or not, but have you changed your name in the past?" Asanya seemed interested in knowing that answer as well.
"I have but I really do not wish to say what it was Talima."
"I have been given a name and I would like to see if what you say matches before I talk about Amistathya. We have individuals who try to get personal information and we need a solid test to see if they do know the individual in question or not."
"I guess it was Sha'ira who told you?" Talima nods. "Nyxia Talima. I apologise for not being truthful with you Asanya."
"Are you sure you wish Asanya to be here?"
"She has been with me through a lot Talima. I am sure she will understand." Asanya nods to help reassure Nyphana.
"Would you like to know anything more than how to contact her Nyphana?"
"I was a little worried when I heard that she was no longer at Atansys Chemical Research Talima. I asked my friend who owns that company and she said she had to be let go after misusing company property. This made me rather anxious to find out how she was coping as she really needs someone to lean on during difficult times. I unfortunately have no way to ask or help her myself otherwise I would."
"I hope this does not worry you but she attempted to commit suicide Nyphana."
"Oh Athya."
"The records state that the ingested substances were mostly vomited and so there was no chance of it actually killing her. I must say that she is now fine excluding a few new, minor medical issues." She breathes a sigh of relief.
"Could I ask what kind of issues? I know she has a few from her past or what she has always had but I would be keen to know."
"She can only meld with certain people and she can no longer taste anything. There was something about not being able to digest protein fully as well but the records indicate that she is only marginally below normal."
"Is there anything else?"
"Nothing more from the suicide attempt Nyphana. The hospital staff after keeping her in a couple of weeks needed to transfer her somewhere. Given her mental and long list of medical issues they decided to send her to Galactic Acceptance, Armali. The staff there contacted Sha'ira after a few days of being unable to help and she felt Sam would be the best individual to help her as he got on very well with Adastra."
"I heard that rumour but do you know if it is true?"
"The fact Sam has seen Adastra's markings?" Nyphana nods. "Yes it is true, he has also seen another individual who has markings as well. He seems to get on well with marked individuals hence Sha'ira's recommendation."
"I guess she liked him enough to stay with him?"
"Yes but neither Sha'ira or myself could understand her wishing to be Sam's servant. I must assure you that Sam treats her as a bondmate and they seemed remarkably comfortable and happy with each other last week."
"I guess that you do not know her full medical history then Talima otherwise it would make sense."
"That is confusing as Illium provided their records to Galactic Acceptance and they can obtain records from Thessian sources on individuals in their care as well. Has she spent time elsewhere?"
"She has not as far as I know but I unfortunately do not wish to say any more. I hope you understand Talima."
"My apologies. You are free not to answer any of my questions if you feel I do not need to know." She nods.
"Could I ask if you know what they are doing now?"
"We found out this morning that Armali Council had been assessing Sam's security risk given he is now with Amistathya. They have unfortunately decided to terminate his work contract with them as they felt she was too much of a risk and Sam was adamant he was to stay with her. This means he will be required to leave the house he is currently living in. This is why we cannot give you contact information to meet them directly."
"I have been advised not to travel to Illium for a couple of reasons. I therefore would have to wait until they visited Thessia before meeting with them."
"We know Sam is likely to be going to Thessia within a month but when that will be we do not know. The best we can offer is anonymous messages to Sam and to keep you informed of what is happening. Keeping up with news articles would give you quite a lot of information however."
"I would be grateful for that support Talima as I would really like to see her again."
"It is no problem Nyphana. If you have any other problems or questions you know where to come."
"I do. I hope you have a pleasant day."
"The same to both of you. It is always a pleasure to meet new individuals." The two of them nod before Talima showed them the way out.
-----
Adastra after getting some advice from Thea and Samalya had created the new antenna for the plasma generation. She orders it to be made before sending a message to Seliha asking if she wishes to go back to the house earlier. She is not waiting too long before she receives a message back.
Adastra,
I have little to be doing here today so leaving early would be good.
Seliha
Adastra turns off the consoles screens and heads towards the biotics building.
-----
"I guess you have finished then?" Sam talking but not looking around initially.
"How did you know I was here Sam?"
"I can hear the markings on your toes squeak along the floor." Sam turns around and laughs at her confusion. "No I heard the door open Ami."
"Are you watching anything good?"
"Actually no, I thought it was better than this but that was several years ago. So when will the things arrive and do you want to have a drink?"
"They say Saturday morning Sam which I think is rather reasonable and yes." Sam closes the video player and walks up the stairs with Amistathya. They walk in to find Adastra and Seliha in the kitchen.
"Wow you are back early."
"Seliha had nothing to do and I do not have much to do until Monday."
"How did testing go?"
"Sephalia let me start the thruster which I was happy about."
"I guess she was the test engineer?" Adastra nods. "What were the results?"
"It needs an entirely new RF amplifier and antenna as it was rather slow. The results said it would basically do nothing at all with sixteen kilohertz."
"Well the higher frequencies do not need as much movement so a bit of a drop-off can be tolerated. Did it look good though?"
"An awful lot bigger than you think, also those coloured pipes look amusing." Sam laughs a little.
"I guess you are waiting now for the new parts to be fitted now Adastra?"
"Yes. I think I may scale the design tomorrow and see how it goes." Sam nods.
"Did you get a message?"
"No Seliha, we have not heard anything today. It has been a little boring to be honest so I may go into Nos Astra for a walk around tomorrow."
"It is a pity you could not come with me to work Sam as we could do with the help."
"Adastra, I believe that you can get the thrusters working and produced on time. It is things like what the event is going to be that takes the time. Sorting out people for doing things, get the stage area arranged and built. Sorting out catering and services are also other things that need considering and that is before even considering promotional materials."
"Could I suggest we try to decide on what the event will be and the promotional things this Sunday?"
"That sounds a good idea Adastra." Sam nods in agreement with Seliha as they all sit down with a drink.
-----
"Nyphana, could I ask why you apologised for not telling me the truth earlier. People change their names for many reasons and sometimes they do not want individuals to know their previous name. It is understandable that you would be one such individual."
"I appreciate your understanding Asanya but I was not really apologising about my name. Amistathya is my step-daughter and that is the reason why I needed to come here."
"So you have a daughter even if it is not your own." Nyphana nods. "It is not really a lie when you said to me that you had no daughters then."
"I do have a daughter as well Asanya but for many reasons I cannot say who or where she is. As I said I deeply apologise for lying Asanya but I needed to try and protect everything as best I could."
"I understand Nyphana. Can I ask does Amistathya have markings then?"
"Yes. Her mother saw them as something wonderful but hated the comments she got from individuals who saw them. Most individuals blamed it on her being a pureblood and faulty genetics from mating with our own species. She was practically the cities example of why purebloods having daughters is a bad idea. I really wish individuals could be more open minded and accepting but I fear that is asking too much."
"You do not need to say any more if you do not wish to. I can tell that it has not been easy for you."
"It has not, especially these last hundred and ten or so years. I will explain more when I get to talk to Athya but I owe an explanation to her first." Asanya nods still seemed a little aloof as she tries to process everything she has been told this afternoon.
-----
Sam gets a message as everyone is eating their evening meal around the dining table. "Is it set to message you when you are eating Sam?"
"Or early in the morning when Sam has forgotten to set mute."
"Oi. I only forgot twice." Amistathya smiles as Sam opens the message.
Sam,
My apologies about your situation. Be positive and the outcome will follow.
"I am beginning to think it is Holana who writes these messages and just forgets to put her name on the bottom." Sam shows Amistathya the message.
"What does Sha'ira say Sam?"
"That she wants sex next week Adastra." Sam is happy he even gets a bit of a laugh out of Kate as well as everyone else. "I was joking. She is basically spying on me as she has found out about me loosing my job and is basically recommending to stay positive."
"So nothing helpful then."
"Not really Seliha but it is nice to know you have friends outside of this house at times. It is not like I have heard anything from Kriana, Emala or Shiala. Ok perhaps not Kriana or Emala after what happened between the Citadel and Thessia. I guess Shiala is just busy now and has better things to be doing."
"If Shiala is as busy as our security then she should have some free time."
"It may be worth seeing if we could get together somewhere when we visit Thessia at sometime in the near future."
"I like that idea Fosanta even if it is just for an afternoon. I am sure Tahomi would be more than willing to join us as well unless she is on a ship in the middle of nowhere."
"Tahomi?"
"She was the Enlighten's second pilot Athya. I did advanced flight control with her." Amistathya nods before finishing her meal.
-----
Sam was just about to mute his Omni-tool before going to bed when it beeps. "I was just about to mute it Ami."
"You sound very defensive about that Sam."
"No honestly I was." Sam checks the message.
Sam,
I thought it only fair to keep you informed that we are still trying to sort everything out. It is at the moment looking promising to have everything resolved by the deadline.
Usarta
"A message from Usarta saying they are doing stuff but nothing definite yet."
"I bet it is me that is causing them the most problems."
"Ami, please stop blaming yourself for this. Remember what Sha'ira said earlier and try to think positive. If they are having issues on the job side of things then think of it as payback for them starting this in the first place." Sam gets into bed and puts his head on the pillow.
"Perhaps but it still makes me feel a little guilty."
"Ami, you are worth a lot more than you think you are and are definitely worth an awful lot more than a little bit of minor inconvenience. You really need to take that to heart as it may at times be the only thing that gives you hope."
"I will try."
"Sleep well Ami." She nods back with a smile before Sam turns the light off.
------
Thursday 9th February 2017
------
"I guess Sam and Amistathya are not going to be getting up as early this morning."
"To be honest Fosanta, I do not blame them as they do have very little to do for the moment."
"Does anyone have anything to do at work today?" Kate wondering as her week has been a little manic up to now.
"Perhaps a bit of preparation for the weekend testing later today."
"I will be trying to design the bigger thrusters for the event while I wait for the one in hall two to have its new boards and antenna fitted. What are you doing today Kate?"
"Three meetings, one this morning at ten and two early this afternoon. That is better than the six I had yesterday."
"That would explain why you were keen to get to sleep last night."
"Sorry about that Fosanta but yes I was tried." Adastra looks at the time.
"We should be going. I will see you both at lunch time."
"Have a good day both of you." The two of them nod and leave.
"Do you have to ask certain questions to every individual you see Kate?"
"There are a few I can pick from and the rest are so that I can get an idea of the individual. I try to make them a little strange to stave off the boredom."
"So you do have some say then."
"Kate will be happy about that." Kate nods to Fosanta before turning to see Sam walking into the kitchen for breakfast.
"Morning Sam. I am starting to get a little tried of that joke."
"I guess you have a later start as I was expecting to get down here and find I was alone."
"I have my first appointment at ten Sam. Where is Athya this morning?"
"I am here Kate. I just do not feel too great this morning." Sam puts his arm around her which gets a tired smile on her slightly pale face.
"What is wrong?"
"I have a bad headache and feel rather exhausted. I would prefer just to have a quiet day."
"I think we are going to get one of those anyway Ami."
"I think we should leave as my appointment is soon. I hope you get better Athya as your neck looks better this morning."
"I can still feel it was hurt but you are right in that it is better. Thank you Kate." She nods.
"We will talk again tonight." Sam and Amistathya nod to Fosanta before the two of them leave them to have their breakfast.
-----
Kate gets to her office a few minutes before ten to check who she is to be meeting. She takes the datapad off the desk and walks back down the corridor to the reception area to see one Asari. "Good Morning and welcome to Armali Council's Illium facility Olissa. My name is Kate. Would you kindly follow me." She nods and the two of them enter one of the meeting rooms leading off the reception area. Kate gestures her to take a seat. "Please treat this informally Olissa as I am sure you know much more about this process than I do. Could I ask why you are here today?"
"Sentix need a renewal on their propulsion license. We are overdue but because of the change from Thessia to Illium the council board gave us two months in which to go through the process."
"Is Illium much more convenient for you than Thessia was Olissa?"
"Of course Kate as our facility is barely twenty minutes away rather than several hours."
"Could you describe the basic principle behind an ion drive for me Olissa?"
"Charge differential accelerates a propellant. Could I ask why you need to ask that question Kate?" Kate laughs a little.
"You would be surprised at the amount of individuals I have seen in the two weeks who know nothing other than who they supposedly work for and that they need to obtain a license. I do apologise but it wears thin when they try to bribe me into giving them what they request."
"They may be just random individuals trying to meet you Kate."
"Still it makes my job more difficult and I am sure my security would hate me if I agreed to meet them outside of work. Could I ask why you want Armali's propulsion products?"
"We have been rather impressed at the durability of Armali's products over the last six years. ASL Enlighten was the first ship we made with the thrusters because of us having a very limited budget but needing something which seemed durable enough for the role. We have since then offered them in very limited situations on other ships. We, after stripping the Enlighten down, were almost in disbelief at the small number of repairs required to make them good enough to offer for fitting into other ships."
"You mean the smaller ones?"
"Yes, someone had obviously tried to repair one but the electromagnet coolant casing had cracked so it had no magnetic containment to create the plasma. A new casing which is several hours to change and after testing we offered it to a client in a private transport who was very pleased with it."
"That would explain why Adastra and Sam were unable to repair it."
"My apologies I keep forgetting that you were on that ship. It would not be something you could realistically repair while in space unless you were very determined, had a replacement and had several days to spare." Kate nods.
"I was going to ask about May but this is hardly the best time."
"I guess you mean about us offering hanger four and five to Sam?"
"Yes, I cannot imagine the size of the space."
"It looks a lot smaller with a ship inside. I am sure we can make some arrangement for you to see it late April if you wish as we have a freighter in for a full refit at the moment. I guess you are to help Sam?"
"Yes which is a little difficult when I have no idea how large the hanger is."
"If you go on our extranet site we have a few pages about our first seven hangers and there are some images on there. If you search Sentix Spaceworks then you should find it easily enough."
"I appreciate you helping me. I also appreciate you actually coming and not sending some random individual on your behalf. I will ensure your request is processed and you should have your licence by tomorrow morning if all the checks turn out ok." Kate stands and heads towards the door.
"That is quite a bit quicker than it was last time."
"I would not know what it used to be like but I like to be efficient. It has been good to meet and speak to you today Olissa."
"No problem Kate. Have a pleasant day."
"You too." She nods before leaving out of the reception area to the private docking area. Kate heads back to her office to process Olissa's request for a licence renewal.
-----
Adastra spots Kate's red hair from across the Skylounge and makes her way over. "How was this morning?"
"It was remarkably pleasant Adastra. I actually found out something you may be interested in knowing."
"What would that be?"
"It was a cracked coolant casing which stopped that thruster of working which you tried to repair." Adastra laughs.
"That would explain why it did not work. It must have been a small crack as I did not notice it. I guess your meeting was with someone from Sentix then?"
"Owner Adastra. She seemed to be a lot more technically minded than some that I see. I mean the limit of some is that the thrusters make the ships go forwards."
"I think most people would think that Kate."
"Think what?" Seliha and Fosanta walking up to the table from behind Adastra.
"That a thruster magically pushes ships along Seliha. Did she say what they had done to the ship Kate?"
"They seem to be stripping it Adastra. I know at least one of the thrusters has gone to a new home after being repaired."
"I guess your interview was with Sentix this morning then Kate?" She nods to Fosanta. "It is a pity they are stripping that ship as it had been through a lot."
"It did not look all that presentable though."
"Perhaps. I still would have liked to have seen it again though Seliha."
"How has your designing been this morning Adastra?"
"You cannot scale a twelve metre design to a twenty. Another of the designers had a fifteen design which was very helpful but it is just silly how much more complex it is. I can see why Armali stick to twelve as a maximum."
"I must be leaving as I have another meeting in fifteen minutes. I am just hoping it is not a silly one as I am having a reasonable day up to now."
"Have a good afternoon." Kate nods to the three of them before leaving.
"How has your morning been in the biotics building you two?"
"I am just looking into refinements to the next lot of sensor development Adastra."
"I was looking at what the new changes would get us if we get the go ahead."
"I guess it is another slow day then?" The two of them nod. "I best be getting back." The two of them nod and it is not long before Fosanta gets a message.
Fosanta
I could do with your help. I am in my room.
Whesiva
"I guess someone else who needs some help with the sensors. I am getting all sort of weird questions lately since they are going into the next round of development amplifiers."
"I guess most of them are basic?"
"Most are. Since I have been called I could do with leaving. I will talk later." Seliha nods and Fosanta leaves her to finish her lunch in peace.
-----
Sam walks into their room to see Amistathya on the bed with her head down. He was in two minds whether to disturb her or not. "I do apologise Sam." Sam smiles at the fact she knows he is there.
"No need. I came to see if you wanted anything and to see how you are feeling." She rubs her eyes a little before looking to Sam standing in the doorway.
"The headache has mostly gone but my mind just feels really slow and unclear." She carefully gets up from the bed. "I would quite like a drink if you do not mind but I am ok for food at the moment."
"Are you sure this is not something I should worry about?"
"I am sure Sam. This has happened for as long as I can remember. First I get a headache, and then I feel a little unwell, then excessive tiredness before getting back to normal. It usually lasts two days overall." Sam puts his arm around Amistathya's shoulder as they walk down the stairs.
"How often does this happen?"
"It is usually only about three times a year. I do seem to have got all three symptoms at once this time however which is not usual."
"You are in a slightly different position now so that may have caused the change. Just do what you feel is right and we will see how tomorrow is." She nods before Sam begins to make the two of them a drink, Amistathya putting her head down on the table to rest it.
-----
Kate finds Whesiva's door open and so walks in. "You wished to see me?"
"I did. Could you lock the door?" Fosanta does so. "I am not sure how much you know so I will keep the details low. It seems your sensors cannot cope with the Terasol design Fosanta but the test data is a mess to be fair."
"Is it the sensors or the individual Whesiva? I know the sensors can cope with heavy transients and they are still fairly basic sensors at the moment."
"I am not at all sure Fosanta as I am very limited with what I can do. I am not sure this individual has the right kind of biotics as the portable sensors are really not that accurate and I cannot use the equipment in the test rooms other than for data collection on the bioamp."
"So you have to keep the individual anonymous?"
"Yes which makes all of this very, very annoying. Usarta said she had a lot on at the moment and that she will talk to me about this on Monday when I saw her earlier."
"I think you should just file the test data away for now and concentrate on the two other designs Whesiva. It is not worth thinking about until Monday as it is not like there is much to do now."
"Good point. I will look at the test data from last weekend to see what can be done next time. Thank you for coming."
"No problem." Fosanta leaves the room with Whesiva looking a little less stressed.
-----
Sam is sat on the seating when Kate and Fosanta walk in through the door. "Morning."
"It has not been morning for hours now Sam. I guess Athya is still not feeling too well?"
"Unfortunately. I would like to be there with her Kate but I can only watch someone sleep for so long. Anyway how have your days been?"
"Mine has been fairly usual Sam."
"I had an interesting interview this morning. I guess you remember trying to fix one of the thrusters on the Enlighten?"
"Yes, first day on-board if I remember right. It was after my talk to Adastra and Karina being knocked out by Shiala."
"I remember that as well Sam as we were all rather scared that Adastra was going to do something to you. It sounds silly saying that now but we had no real idea what was happening at the time.
"I was unnerved a little but I trusted Adastra when she said that I was safe."
"Anyway that thruster is now, after a short repair, in someone's private transport flying around somewhere."
"You had an interview with a Sentix employee?" Kate nods. "At least we know there is still a bit of the Enlighten out there as I guess they are to scrap the rest?"
"It sounded that way."
"Did you ask about the event Kate or can you not ask those kind of questions?"
"I can but I did not really ask. She did however say they have some images on their extranet site of the hanger so I can get some idea of the size."
"Unless it has something for scale then I doubt it will be too helpful but you can always have a look. You do feel absolutely tiny and I am sure I have underestimated the amount of people but it is a good number to start from."
"You mean we should decide what we are to do before we make better estimates?"
"Yes Fosanta." Adastra and Seliha walk in. "Hello you two."
"Hello Sam. The design for the twenty metre thruster is going to be something silly."
"I will certainly have a good look at them before the event starts Adastra and you can explain everything to me."
"It is a pity you will not see them earlier but still. Where is Athya?"
"Sleeping Adastra. I was tempted to go to eternity but it would not feel right."
"I guess you have had no messages?"
"No Seliha. I had one last night saying Usarta was hopeful to get it done in the ten days but that was it. I just wish I could speed it up but maybe I am just impatient given Ami is not feeling great and I have little to do."
"I would likely feel the same Sam." He nods to Kate. "We should get something to eat."
"I will go and see if Ami wants anything as she did not have any lunch." Sam gets up and goes upstairs as the other four go to the kitchen. Sam walks in and carefully lies down on the bed.
"I appreciate you being here but you do not need to be." Amistathya speaking with her eyes closed.
"I came to ask if you wanted a drink or anything to eat."
"Not at the moment I just wish to sleep."
"I will leave you. I am sure you can find me if you need something."
"Thank you Sam." Sam carefully strokes her folds getting a small smile before leaving to go downstairs to the kitchen.
"Ami does not want anything at the moment."
"Is she ok?"
"She just seems very tired. She has said this is common for her and it usually lasts about two days."
"Is it a medical thing Sam?"
"I am not sure Fosanta but I just hope that she feels better soon." She nods and goes back to making food. Sam getting the plates out of the cupboard to help with the effort.
-----
Sam sits outside watching the fish under the setting evening sun. "Are you ok?" He turns around to see Selayla.
"I am ok. I just have very little I can do at the moment and my mind is wondering. I am however confused as to why you have come to ask me Selayla?"
"Hymara and Lianta are still eating so I offered to ask. Is this about Armali and you having to move out?"
"No but I would feel better if I knew progress was being made as it would give me a distraction as Ami has slept most of the day today. She does not feel too well."
"That would be why we were most concerned as you two tend to stay fairly close to each other."
"I just want to let her sleep, to let her get better but when I have little else to do it weighs on my mind." Sam gets a message and he opens his Omni-tool.
Sam,
I think things should start happening next week as there is a lot of work being done now to make it happen.
Usarta
"I wish I would stop getting updates saying things are happening but there is no news."
"It is some news Sam but I think it is Amistathya you are most worried about though."
"She does not inspire confidence when she has so many pre-existing problems. I will feel happier when I can get into bed but I would never be able to sleep this early."
"You need to find something to do to take your mind off everything for a while Sam."
"I thought the fish may offer ideas." Selayla laughs a little. "What? I am sitting on a planet probably hundreds if not thousands of light years from my home world, talking a language I did not know six weeks ago to an individual of a blue skinned mono-gendered species who has the ability to read my mind. I think talking fish after all of that is hardly an unreasonable stretch." Sam leans back over the fish pond to notice the colours of the fish are not as vibrant in the descending twilight.
"Are you missing your planet a little Sam?"
"I would be lying if I said no Selayla. I do not feel it is that big of a loss just a little inconvenient that I cannot go back to get something if I wanted to for example. I think I miss not having the confidence in knowing what foods I like or what I like to do or where I would like to go to. It is almost like starting from scratch."
"I understand that Sam but you will soon begin to recover that confidence as you go out and interact more in the future."
"I hope so."
"I think you should go and sit with Amistathya Sam. I know it may be boring but you are not doing anything else being out here and I think you would feel happier." Selayla noting that the soft glow from the house windows was becoming more obvious. Sam sighs.
"You have a good point. Thank you Selayla."
"No problem." Sam nods and the two of them make their way back to their respective houses. Sam walks in the front door and up the stairs to his room. He opens the door to see Amistathya looking towards him. He shuts the door and goes to lie down next to her.
"I guess you are here to ask me if I need anything?"
"Not really Ami. I had a bit of a think by the fish pond and Selayla came out for a talk."
"She wondered why I was not with you?"
"Yes but she seemed more bothered about me sitting by the fish pond. I thought it was something to do while I let you sleep. After it had gone dark she suggested I see if you would like a talk for a little while instead of sitting around doing nothing."
"I can do Sam but just be aware I feel quite slow so if you ask questions."
"Expect short answers I understand that Ami. I also know you usually like us to talk in English but I will stick with Asari to help you." She nods with a slight smile. "I received a message from Usarta while I was outside saying that things may start happening next week."
"That is a bit of good news."
"Perhaps but I think am getting a little impatient as today has felt quite a bit longer than a day. I guess holding out hope that tomorrow will be better is a bit of a stretch."
"Remember what Sha'ira said Sam."
"It is quite a bit more difficult to be positive with me having a little worry at the back of my mind that you are not feeling too well Ami. I can always get another job or another house but there would be no chance of getting another individual like you and that worries me." Amistathya shuffles across the bed and puts an arm around Sam.
"I have said I am fine but I really do appreciate it cannot be easy."
"Do you think you will be any better tomorrow Ami?"
"I do not know Sam."
"Would you like a drink as I need one?"
"Do you mind if I had it up here? I feel a little ill when I walk around."
"I will bring it up." Amistathya gives Sam a short kiss. "I hope I do not catch something now." The two of them smile and Sam heads downstairs to make drinks.
-----
Sam is just finishing in the kitchen when Fosanta and Kate appear. "I see what you meant when you feel tiny in the hanger Sam."
"Did they have a size reference in the picture?"
"A person Sam and it took an awful lot of zooming to see them. I can appreciate how a hundred thousand or more could fit in that space."
"You will still be surprised when you see the scale for yourself as it is ridiculous."
"I will look forward to that. How is Amistathya now Sam?"
"I am just about to take a drink up for her Fosanta and then I was tempted to get an early night. Oh and if I get the flu in the next few days you know what has happened."
"Maybe you gave it to Athya Sam?"
"I hope not Kate but it could be possible. I will hopefully see you both in the morning before you go to work."
"Sleep well." Sam nods as he leaves the kitchen with two mugs.
"It is really not going Sam's way lately."
"True Kate. I think a drink, and then a shower and bed would be a good idea given it will be a busy day tomorrow for me."
"I only have one appointment. I do however have mountains of forms to fill which while easy are very tedious." Fosanta nods.
-----
Seliha and Adastra come down from the top room to go to bed. Adastra goes to the toilet and notices Sam's door open. She quietly opens it a little and peers in to see Sam and Amistathya asleep in each others arms, the duvet hanging off the side of the bed. Adastra gestures Seliha to look which she does before quietly closing the door. "If that was anyone else I would have taken a photo. I would hate someone doing the same with me though, especially when I have been to such efforts in the past to make everyone forget."
"I could do it for you if you not wish to?"
"No Seliha. They are entitled to a little privacy and I think Sam has had a difficult few days. We do not need to make it any worse for them." Seliha nods. The two of them finish in the bathroom before going to bed.
------
Notes.
A quick note on Seliha. She is a little difficult to pin down for the moment but seems to have mostly settled into an apathetic middle ground. She will in the coming chapters become better explained so please be patient if you will.
I apologise for not replying to HenshinDaisuke's review on my forum topic however it has been a rather hectic week. I will try to get a response there shortly as you raised some valid points. The topic can be found at
http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/35940-unrealuniverses-review-reply-thread/
Due to be me being at the i46 LAN party next weekend I will post the next chapter on Wednesday the 22nd. I will decide then whether to post one on Tuesday the 28th or not as there would be a week and a half between chapters if I do not.
As per usual reviews and ratings are appreciated and thank you for reading.
- 41
- 42
- 43
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Marked Effect (AFF Edition)