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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)	By : unrealuniverse Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 22186 -:- 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
- 45
- 46
- 47
Chapter 46 - Organising
Monday 13th February 2017
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"Do either of you know when we should go around this evening?" Fosanta asking Adastra and Seliha as they walk in for breakfast.
"I have no idea Fosanta. I was thinking more about work first to be honest as I am a little exited."
"I will give them a message." Kate opens her Omni-tool as Adastra receives a new message which she reads.
Adastra,
Just a friendly reminder that the thruster is rebuilt and is ready for testing. I am rather impressed with the new improvements.
Sephaila
"Fosanta you could come to see the thruster if you wish with myself and Seliha. It has been rebuilt and is ready for testing."
"I would recommend it Fosanta. I would go again if I could but I have appointments all morning."
"We should really be looking over test data from the weekend before the meeting."
"Your new sensors are not in this design and it will probably be the same as last weeks."
"You have a good point Seliha. I would if you do not mind join you Adastra as Kate seemed rather impressed."
-----
"You look a little tired this morning Silana. Are you ok?"
"I feel fine Lianta. I am just a little apprehensive now about tonight as Olissa agreed."
"As long as we all do not admit to anything then we should be ok." The three of them hear Sam and Amistathya descend the stairs.
"Morning everyone." Sam sounded remarkably cheery as he approached Hymara, Lianta and Silana who were sat at the breakfast table.
"I hate to ask but how are you both?"
"Well apart from waking up with a damp pillow from a runny nose I could not feel better Silana." Sam gets breakfast out for himself and Amistathya. "I think I need to have a toilet roll with me from now on."
"I have explained carefully that we must offer each other the opportunity to take the mucus before blowing our nose. You have no need to worry as I think Sam wants the tissue to dry his nose."
"I do not like having a damp nose." Lianta and Hymara nod to Sam.
"I am not sure how much I would like that either Sam. I must inform you that Olissa has agreed to meet us this evening."
"Good, it should be a productive evening then." Sam gestures Amistathya to sit on his knee which she happily does so. Sam checks his Omni-tool for messages before settling down for breakfast. He finds three messages. "It seems a number of people have been contacting me."
Sam,
What time would you like us to turn up this evening?"
Kate
"I said seven did I not for Olissa to arrive?" Silana nods and Sam sends a reply back asking them to arrive for six thirty. He then reads the next message.
Sam,
I hope you are settling in well. I see your shuttle is at your apartment. The council wish me to retrieve it as soon as is convenient. You will still have the skycar to get around in and things are progressing on the passenger transport. If you would be around this evening for me to collect it I would appreciate it.
Usarta
"I would see this as not going well but I do not really care at the moment.
"Why do you say that Sam?"
"Usarta wishes to collect the shuttle this evening Lianta. That and I can feel a headache starting to emerge."
"I am sure if she arrives when everyone else is here then it will be fine Sam."
"I will send a message back after we have finished. We will put some chairs and desks up today to stay a little out of your way. Silana you can join us or not, it is your choice."
"I think you may in need of some help Sam." He nods before reading the last message.
Sam,
I hope your move was not stressful. You should have an idea by now what will happen over the coming week by now. I wish you luck in getting a positive outcome for all that has happened recently.
"I am getting very curious as to who it is who sends these unnamed messages."
"Sha'ira?"
"It could be but I really an not convinced Ami."
"Could you explain Sam?"
"A message wishing me luck in getting a positive outcome for all that has happened recently Lianta. I have had a couple of these supportive messages lately and while they could be from Sha'ira they feel as if they are worded incorrectly in some way."
"I would not worry too much Sam. You have more important things to think about at the moment."
"Putting up desks and chairs is more important Silana? I do however get your point that it is trivial."
-----
Adastra, Seliha and Fosanta exit the lift to see Sephaila waiting patiently for them. "Good morning. I received your message earlier Adastra. I guess you are both doing the same as Kate?"
"Yes. I am Fosanta. I am not sure how much you know?"
"My name is Sephaila in case you do not know. It is good to meet you Fosanta and Seliha." Seliha nods. "As I said to Kate, unfortunately you cannot go into the testing hall itself. You can however get a good view from the control room if you would like to follow me." The three of them follow Sephaila up the stairs. "Kate and Adastra have told me that this thruster is for an event at Sentix but not much more."
"We would know more after this evening as we are going to have a meeting about it. I personally have not seen hanger four yet so I do not know quite how large it is."
"It is difficult to describe the size without seeing it for yourself but it is bigger than you would think." Sephaila unlocks the control room door and gestures them all to enter. Fosanta and Seliha walk towards the window, Fosanta looking more shocked as Seliha's smile grows.
"This is one of the smaller ones?" Fosanta turning around to look at Adastra.
"It is, the bigger two will be almost double the size of that one Fosanta." She looks out of the window again and tries to gauge what double would be.
"Would that fit in the hall?"
"It will just Fosanta however the plasma jet will have to be shortened a lot by a barrier curtain. I personally would really like to see them in hanger four." Sephaila talking as she and Adastra take a seat at the control panels. "I am sure you know what to do Adastra." She nods with the same giddy enthusiasm as last time. The four of them hear a pop from inside the testing hall.
"What was that?"
"Just the plasma being created Seliha, it is normal for any engine it is just usually you cannot hear it inside the ship." Sephaila providing the answer as she turns off the lights in the hall.
"Oh. I like the glow."
"I do as well Seliha it looks rather delicate." Fosanta seemingly appreciating it as much as Seliha.
"I said you would like it Seliha, it looks a bit like an Ion thruster."
"I guess it has a ceramic plasma tube given we are waiting?"
"It has Fosanta, we could have used tungsten but the extra water splitting and power boards added too much to the weight. That does not really matter for this application but if they are to end up in a ship then it does."
"We are ok Adastra." Sephaila keeping an eye on the data on the screen in front of her. Fosanta and Seliha turn back to look out of the window as Adastra slowly ramps up the power, the blue hue becoming an elongated deep blue cone as it is increased.
"I do not think I have seen a thruster like this before, I never knew so much of the plasma could be seen."
"That would be because it is rarely properly dark when you see the ships Fosanta as spaceports tend to be illuminated at night."
"It does look quite wonderful though. I thank you for the opportunity."
"That is no problem Seliha. We are quite happy to show any employee what we make. I personally think they are almost works of art, especially if you get the opportunity to see one up close. The pipes and wires curving around each other are rather chaotic but inspiring to look at."
"I can see why you do this job then Sephaila." Fosanta noting as she and Seliha go to stand behind Adastra.
"I like it. We must continue though as we informed everyone this was to be complete by midday."
"Why do you have a time limit?"
"I am sure you will understand in a minute or two Fosanta. I am really surprised at the power use though but it seems to be delivering what you wanted Adastra."
"How much power as we will need to work out how much generation we will need?"
"Seventy nine Gigawatts Adastra which is remarkably excessive. Although it has given you an extra four percent thrust over the last design." Adastra nods as she notes that down in her Omni-tool. "I will start the tests again." The cone goes back to just a blue glow from the end of the thruster before the first bang seems to scare Fosanta a little. Seliha laughs.
"I am... I can feel the... moving." Fosanta getting drowned out by the noise from the thruster. A couple more bangs and the thruster then steadily goes back to how it was previously.
"The floor does shake a little Fosanta hence why we have to tell people as it could be a bit unnerving. I heard last time we tested a twenty metre design they could feel it in the Skylounge."
"Would that not damage the building?"
"No Fosanta as it was designed to withstand stresses from testing. Your test data looks much better than last time Adastra as those smaller boards are better."
"How much by Sephaila?"
"Well the old design would be practically doing nothing at sixteen kilohertz. The smaller boards and seemingly a better RF antenna will get you nearly twenty percent slew at sixteen kilohertz."
"I think that should be adequate for what we need them for Sephaila. I need to thank you for making those recommendations as they seem to have done what we needed."
"That is no problem Adastra. I will be waiting patently to see the twenty metre design." Sephaila shuts down the thruster seemingly happy with the results from one test.
"I hope you are not expecting it next week Sephaila as that design is going to take a while."
"Of course not Adastra."
"I guess we are done here as I could do with going over some test data from the weekend before a meeting this afternoon."
"You sound like you have a similar day to me Fosanta. I have a meeting with Usarta to explain how this test went this morning. You could come along too Adastra if you wish."
"It could be interesting to hear what she has to say." Sephaila nods.
"I am sure you can all find your own way out. I just need to ensure the plasma channel does not crack and the gas is vented before I leave." The three of them leave the control room.
"Well that was an experience and also scares me to think how big that hanger is."
"You said the plasma thrusters are more impressive and you were right. This could surprise quite a few people at the event."
"I am glad you both seem to have got something out of this morning. I am happy it is now a complete design that can be manufactured." The three of them get into the lift to head back to work.
-----
"I do apologise Silana if you do not wish to see us licking each others noses."
"I would rather I did not but I understand you need someone with you. I think it is lunch time as I am hungry." Sam looks to the four chairs and two desks they had put up in their other room.
"Just to connect things up later now. Ami are you happy to go for lunch."
"I am as it might distract me from my headache." Sam laughs as he puts is arm around her, knowing exactly what she means. The three of them exit the room and head to the kitchen.
"Hymara, Lianta." The two of them look over their shoulders from the sofa. "I need to say please do not take offense if I get overly grouchy as this headache is starting to get a bit tiring."
"Will you be ok for everyone coming tonight as you seem much less happy and it has only been about three hours?"
"If I keep going as I am I will probably feel awful but yes. This needs to be done whether I have a headache or not Hymara. Those interested individuals will not wait just because of me."
"I understand Sam." He nods before helping Amistathya and Silana make some food.
-----
Kate puts her tray down on the table in the Skylounge. "You three look happy."
"That thruster is quite impressive as you said Kate. It is a bit of a pity you were not there during testing this morning."
"I am just hoping I can see one at some time Fosanta, but looking at the size of it on Friday was good enough for me."
"It is just to design the bigger version now."
"I need to tell you all that Sam wishes us to turn up at six thirty this evening."
"I think we may not get a lot done this evening."
"You may have a point Seliha. I however think Sam thinks those individuals need informing as early as possible." Kate's Omni-tool beeps to indicate a new message which she reads.
Kate
I guess you are at the Skylounge. Olissa should be joining us this evening. Have a good day.
Sam
"I am not sure what to make of the brief sentences but Sam has said Olissa is to join us as well this evening."
"Can I see that message Kate?" She shows her Omni-tool to Fosanta who quickly reads the message. "Who am I to argue if Sam wishes this to be done this evening. As he said yesterday it was his idea originally."
"You have a point Fosanta and quite a bit of progress was made yesterday. We will see how it all goes." Adastra checks her Omni-tool. "I must leave unfortunately as I am going to have a talk with Usarta."
"We should really be leaving as well unfortunately Kate as we have a department meeting."
"That is ok. I will see you three this evening." The nod and leave Kate to admire the view out of the windows.
-----
"You are just in time Adastra."
"I do apologise but it is easy to loose track of time when talking in the Skylounge." Sephaila laughs a little.
"It is Adastra." Usarta appears through the double doors into the corridor.
"I was not expecting you to be here Adastra. Do you need to talk about something?" Adastra looks to Sephaila.
"I thought she could sit in on our meeting Usarta." She seems to consider that for a few seconds before gesturing the two of them in to the room. Adastra takes a seat off to one side as Sephaila sits on the chair opposite Usarta.
"Before I begin Sephaila. Adastra, have you been in contact with Sam lately? It is just personal curiosity."
"He seemed happy enough when we met yesterday to sort some event things out. Was there a reason you are curious?" Adastra wondering if Armali had anything to do with the extra box.
"I was just wondering how he had found the move and if he was still happy with the decision. I have to pick up our shuttle from him this evening some time."
"He seems happy enough with everything Usarta. We were all invited to go around and have a look this evening."
"Good. If I do see you there I will not be staying long." Adastra nods. "I apologise for that deviation Sephaila. What were your thoughts on this mornings test?"
"The thruster uses over twice as much power as standard but if hydrogen splitting is taken into consideration then the overall efficiency is one percent better. This improves greatly if some thrusters on the ship are not used."
"Does that efficiency scale down?"
"There is no advantage on three metre designs and below but there is no reason not to use it other than it makes the thrusters more expensive. It would depend on the ship designer if they would be willing to pay a little more to save some space."
"I will have the accountants work out if it is worth doing so Sephaila. I assume the design was sound enough to produce?"
"It is and I am even starting to like the red and blue pipe work."
"I heard the maintenance workers thought it was a good idea. I will give the go ahead to have seven copies produced and put into storage for the moment." Adastra smiles as Sephaila nods. "I think that is about all I needed to talk about. Do you have anything else to ask?"
"Actually I was to ask Adastra, what happened with Sam? I heard he has made a few appearances but no one has seen him recently."
"Armali Council unfortunately chose to terminate his contract Sephaila after finding something. I must add it was in no way Sam's fault, it was something Armali were not comfortable with."
"I may as well say the full story here. Sam did some charity work and met someone who he liked and liked him. Armali did not like this, as the individual supposedly has a bad record for breaking servitude contracts."
"I have to say off the record that I think she is telling the truth when she says that she was tricked into breaking them. Unfortunately Armali trusts the official documentation more than the word of a servant Sephaila and that is why Sam had to go."
"I am not sure what I can say to that."
"We here on Illium feel the same Sephaila but unfortunately the management board on Thessia made the decision. We are currently negotiating a new job for him and hope to keep ties with him."
"Sephaila, Sam will be fine and will see this as a challenge of life. I think I can say that this event at Sentix is his idea and he is currently focussing on that more than anything at the moment."
"Actually that has reminded me of two things I must do before the end of the day. Do either of you two have any more questions?"
"I do not." Adastra shakes her head.
"I hope you both have a pleasant evening and I may see you later Adastra." Adastra nods as the two of them leave the room.
"Sephaila, I need to ask you to keep what you know about Sam to yourself as it will make his life more difficult if the media find out."
"I will Adastra as it sounds like he has had enough problems up to now."
-----
"I guess the management agreed to change the Nebula design then?" Adastra noticing that Seliha seemed happier than usual.
"I am just pleased that they have finally listened to reason." Seliha following Adastra into the shuttle.
"Well I am a little happier that Usarta has said that they are to make seven copies of the thruster. At least I know we will have some sound even if the two larger ones are not made."
"We both had a good day then."
"It would be even better if we get more things sorted out this evening Seliha."
"Do not hope too much."
-----
"You seem happier now than you were before Fosanta?" Kate asking as she gets into the shuttle and closes the door.
"We just got a bit of a victory over the accountants and management. They have finally agreed to do a limited test of the new version of the nebula bioamp and it seems to have done wonders for morale in the department."
"I can imagine."
"How was your afternoon Kate?"
"I was just filling paperwork out from this mornings interviews. It is not that difficult but it is a bit monotonous." Kate looks out of the window for a little while watching the scenery go past. "You will like Sam and Athya's apartment Fosanta."
"It is more how they are that is a little worrying. Your message you got at lunch time did not sound convincing that everything was ok."
"I agree with that but it might have just been a bad night or something had annoyed him Fosanta. We are not likely to know until we get there."
"I agree with that."
-----
Sam and Amistathya are sat together on one of the single seats after having food. Neither of them look in a particularly good way. "Silana, can you, welcome everyone in, when they arrive?" Sam stating rather deliberately as if thinking hurt.
"I will but are you really sure about this Sam? I am only worried about how you both look."
"As long, as no one asks, difficult questions. I will be fine." Amistathya nods to Silana.
"I think Hymara and Lianta are finding this as difficult as I am. I do not blame them wishing to put their desk up and setup the console in their room."
"Could you kindly, be a little quieter?" Amistathya seemingly just as bad as Sam. Silana takes a seat and waits for the group to arrive which luckily is not too long later. She jumps up and opens the door to greet them all.
"Hello everyone. If you could keep your voices down a little I think Sam and Athya would appreciate it." Kate heads straight for the seats as everyone else stops to admire the view from the window and the apartment first.
"I apologise but I am curious. How are you both?" Kate taking a seat on the sofa nearest to the chair Sam and Amistathya are on.
"That can wait, until everyone is, listening." Kate seemingly a little worried at the response and how the two of them look. Silana goes to get Hymara and Lianta.
"You both look awful." Selayla adding her surprise that they seemed perfectly well yesterday. Sam and Amistathya nod.
"Could everyone, take a seat." Everyone does so, some taking the chairs from around the kitchen table. "I apologise, if I am, grouchy, but feeling, like I do is not, pleasant. Could someone, explain what is, happening, for me?"
"Sam said yesterday he had a box with several pens in, some with coloured lids, the rest not. I hope that explains everything as it is wrong of them to admit anything." Hymara sticking to the agreed story.
"While knowing why you look half dead is important I must say your body is rather wonderful Athya." Imphaya impressed enough to make a comment.
"I, appreciate that." Amistathya places her head on Sam's shoulder.
"Did you not know about this before it happened Lianta?"
"There was a box that was labelled for Sam and Athya. I did look but what would you have done once you had the box inside the apartment?" Kalawa seemed stumped. "It is not exactly the easiest situation to deal with."
"How bad is it Sam?"
"I will describe it, another day, Adastra." She nods having the same saddened expression as everyone else, even Seliha. "What about, the event?"
"We discussed this last night with the list in front of us and we have two ideas. We however thought given our list that a music event, from a few live groups and a couple of popular DJ's would be a good idea. A mix for everyone's tastes so to speak." Fosanta delivering the idea to everyone.
"So, music festival?"
"Sort of Sam. We thought we could ask each of them to do something different that people would not have heard or even seen before. We could quite easily have visual elements such as dancers to go along with everything else."
"Sounds good." The door chime sounds and Silana gets up to answer it.
"Hello Silana. I did not think you were the yellow underwear kind of person?" Olissa a little confused.
"I am not but I will say more later. Hello again Usarta." She nods. "Everyone is waiting for you." Silana gestures the two of them in. Usarta is quicker to the group but does a bit of a double take as she goes past Sam and Amistathya's chair to a spare seat next to Seliha.
"I guess, you are here, for the shuttle?" Sam not quite remembering what was in the message this morning.
"I am and I will not ask what is happening with you both." The two of them nod.
"Everyone else who does not know this is Olissa." Silana letting Olissa take her seat as she gets another from the table.
"Have you two not been well for a while?"
"I asked, Silana, to message you, so you two, can discuss, event things. I was not, intending this, to be, about us."
"I do not quite understand the purpose of the visit then."
"Since it is to be on your companies premises Olissa, certain things cannot really be done without informing you at least. I think Sam wished to bring you here to discuss a suggestion he made to Silana yesterday." Adastra looks to Sam who nods.
"What kind of suggestion?" Olissa seemed uncomfortable with not knowing everything that is happening.
"I think you would rather talk in private Olissa. Would you like to follow me?"
"I will." She follows Silana into the room they were building the chairs and desks in this morning.
"That could have, been worse." Amistathya seemed to be trying to reassure Sam more than informing everyone else.
"Usarta. How many, boxes did you, leave for us, on Saturday?"
"Eighteen Sam. Why do you ask?"
"I have no idea, it felt right to ask. What else, do you wish, to discuss?"
"Well I am sure Adastra has probably told you that the thruster test this morning was successful and seven more are to be produced over the next few weeks."
"We had not, discussed that yet. I am glad, to hear it, however."
"I also came to inform you the deeds to the apartment have been transferred to your profile. How can you go from being well to looking like that in a day Sam?"
"Something about, containers and, coloured tops. I am not sure, what though." Usarta just shakes her head in a disapproving manner.
"This would be why the board had questions about your decision making Sam. Where did you get them from though?"
"I do not know."
"How can you not know? I know it was not us that delivered them as I watched the shuttle being loaded and there was only eighteen boxes put on."
"Sam is correct in that we do not know Usarta. I can see you are curious so I will go and see if I can get hold of any security footage of them being delivered. I should not be long." Hymara waves Lianta to join her and the two of them leave to go downstairs.
-----
"I have a number of questions. My biggest is why does Amistathya have tattoos as they are not exactly subtle?"
"I hope you do not mind if I speak freely?"
"I would like you to answer the questions Silana. How you do so is unimportant at the moment." She nods.
"The way you phrase your question could have been better, but they are not tattoos. Yes I was shocked as well however I think she likes them."
"So she is like Adastra?"
"I would guess so. As you know Adastra is not exactly fond of people seeing her markings so I would not know."
"Unfortunately, the state Sam is in, I am going to have to ask more questions as I am weary of leaving you here. First you said you were not a yellow underwear person yet you are walking around in them. Why?"
"It was part of the agreement I made with Sam after I asked to be treated the same as Athya."
"Agreement?"
"Yes. Basically the bright underwear is a reminder that I am to treat breaking any request as equal to breaking a contract. For this extra effort we get much more in the way of freedom which is rather nice."
"So Sam is not keeping an eye on you all the time?"
"No. Sam trusts us to inform him of any mistakes we make. He therefore can mostly treat us as you would a friend while still retaining authority."
"I am not convinced you can trust people."
"That is your decision to make but it is possible to trust some individuals."
"Do you think Athya is one then?"
"Sam is the only person she really seems to trust and by trust I mean with anything. I think I know why she is so defensive with others but saying what would ruin the growing trust between us."
"You are not convincing me either of them are worth it Silana."
"Sam showed he can pull people together yesterday afternoon when he worked with everyone sat outside to decide on quite a few different parts of the event. I guess speaking to, possibly Kate, may be an idea if you want more convincing." Olissa nods. "I know very little about Athya, and even Sam has even admitted to not knowing everything. She is a rather quiet individual who would rather use actions than words but she is friendly."
"I will tell you where we stand as a company on this decision Silana. Sam seemingly had a rather good contract at Armali who are making it difficult for us to offer less. However Amistathya makes him more of a liability whether he likes it or not. He might be willing to negotiate something if Amistathya gets a job. However, given the state the two of them are in at the moment, I doubt that will be happening soon. We were keen on getting Sam as soon as possible but I am starting to have doubts."
"Bring a few of the others in here if you wish to find more out as they have known Sam and by extension Athya longer than I have. Sam seems closer to Adastra than anyone else so she could be worth talking to as well. About their condition at the moment, I assume you may have an idea what it is?"
"No Silana. Any number of things could have caused them to be ill."
"While I have seen no proof of this, Sam mentioned he had got a box of pens some of which had coloured tops, the rest did not. Where from and from who, I do not know. As you know if you are given the resources for a ritual by another Asari then it is impolite to turn it down."
"That makes me question Sam about as much as I am Amistathya now. Do you know roughly when this started?"
"Yesterday morning I would guess as if it was Saturday evening they would not have slept well last night."
"So Thursday afternoon would probably be the earliest I could see them feeling a bit better." Olissa thinks for a few moments. "Ok I will have a talk with some of the others in here shortly. Sam mentioned something about the event?"
"Yes. Yesterday he went around and basically asked what each of us would be willing to help with. I would be your servant again by then so I do not know if you would allow what Sam suggested."
"It would depend on the suggestion Silana."
"He was a little reluctant it seems to use servants for any of the work but he knows how valuable they are. He was wondering if either Armali or Sentix would offer servants to help with checking people in, serving drinks, transportation down the corridor and other similar jobs?"
"I can only guarantee perhaps a hundred or so Silana as it depends how busy we are and what day the event is to be on."
"The event is to be on the Saturday."
"That would be better but I would have to see what was happening. This is not relating to you really though is it?"
"No. Sam wondered if I would be able to manage the group or one of the groups. He said given I am also a servant they may see me as more friendly and he wants someone he can trust."
"How many people are to be at the event?"
"Two hundred and fifty thousand is the hopeful target." Olissa seems a little surprised at that.
"Ok. Assume that it takes a minute per person to check each individual in. Even with a thousand desks it would take over four hours to check everyone in."
"I will have a discussion with Sam to see if he has an idea to reduce the time."
"That would certainly be better as intermixing of servants would get confusing from an ownership and leadership point of view. I can see why Sam asked me to come around now as this is certainly bringing home the size of this event. I will discuss this when I next visit. I would like to talk with Kate and Adastra if you could get them." Silana stands up and leaves the room.
"It seems Olissa would quite like to see you Kate and Adastra." The two of them stand up and approach Silana. "She is in the room on the left and there are seats in there now Kate." The two of them nod and enter as Silana goes back to the seating. "That was tough as I have a conflict of interest."
"I guess Olissa talked to you about Sam and Amistathya then?"
"Yes Fosanta. She really did not think much to the pens Sam, but she did not seem intent on informing the authorities, so I guess that is a bit of good news." Sam nods. "She seems to be wondering if you would sacrifice some of the bonuses you got with Armali in exchange for getting Athya a job."
"No. They are not, in a, position to dictate, terms Silana. It is, annoying, that I cannot speak, at length, with her today."
"She implied she may come back, probably Thursday afternoon or Friday Sam." Sam nods as Hymara and Lianta come back in instantly gaining Usarta's attention.
"I do not think I have met someone so friendly and yet so difficult. She would not let us take the video evidence and she would only let us look at it after she had checked we were contracted to protect Sam." The two of them sit back down where they were previously.
"I thought people would know that by now Lianta?"
"Evidently not Swathana. Anyway the pilot removed twenty packages from the shuttle. I apologise if that was not what you wished to hear Usarta."
"Usarta, please do not, investigate."
"Amistathya, I cannot have items, such as the ones mentioned, working their way through our storage bays, warehouses and transport routes. It is even more important if they came from Thessia and not here on Illium. Could I ask what else was in the box or was it just the pens?"
"Silana, could you, bring the box, here."
"Silana, Sam does not seem to know the problems this could cause. Please do not."
"I apologise Hymara." She turns around and heads to the storage room and is only a few seconds before she brings a box out and places it on the floor in the middle of everyone. "This is the box Usarta." She nods and opens it to see the three left over boxes of bathroom items, five rolls of toilet paper and the pen box. She opens the top of the box before going a little grey. "Ok, I appreciate you letting me look. If you could take it back Silana it would be appreciated." She closes the top of the box and does so.
"You sound like you are trying to hide your shock and not doing a good job?"
"I thought I had an idea where the leak may have been but I was wrong in my assumption. I will take everyone's advice and keep this quiet."
"Why the sudden change?" Usarta seems reluctant to respond to Seliha's question.
"I will say, in a few, days, Seliha." She nods to Sam but seems overly eager to find out now.
-----
"I do apologise for asking you two to meet me. I would appreciate you answering a few questions that I have." The two of them take a seat.
"Let me guess, it is because you are wondering whether to employ Sam?"
"As you may know Kate, he wishes Amistathya to be employed with him which makes a straight forward decision more difficult. I would appreciate either of you describing what has happened since his arrival."
"I will take this for the moment Kate." She nods. "Sam worked three days while he was at Armali; the rest of the time was spent trying to help Amistathya."
"So he spent more time away from work than working?"
"The charity work he did helped Amistathya and is also to help Galactic Acceptance with the event. Those few days may not have helped Armali directly but will likely mean something to a lot of people. Armali have since got a new thruster design out of it all as well."
"Galactic Acceptance has no centre on the Citadel so why did they go there not long ago?"
"Amistathya as you may know is on the dangerous list, as is Sam now. He needed some time to try and get over melding with her. It also brought the two of them so much closer that Amistathya was almost like a different individual when she arrived back."
"This ends up getting silly but that following weekend Fosanta decided to find it funny to trick me into being Sam's servant."
"I get the feeling you are missing out some details Kate but for the sake of time I will not ask. I did hear from Usarta that no one was actually with you that weekend although you did mention to Usarta that you were treated well."
"I think the word I used was reasonably. It was a good experience if rather tough. That weekend was the first time I had really had any real interaction with Athya. She is attentive and has a sharp mind but needs care as she has a lot of issues from her past. If Sam was kept as her owner and no one touches her then she would be more than happy."
"Do you have anything to add Adastra?"
"Unfortunately not as I have not been with Amistathya on my own." Olissa nods.
"Silana said the marks on her arms and legs were not tattoos. Do you know if that is true?"
"I am sure that Kate does."
"Ask Athya and Sam Olissa but I cannot see how they could be tattoos with all she has been through."
"I have also heard enough to convince me as well Olissa. I must also point out that Asari who get tattoos rarely get them on their hands by choice. I know how bad just having a few marks on them can be let alone markings like Amistathya's. Which makes me question why you are asking Olissa?"
"We do not allow tattoos unless they are small markings on the face which compliment their natural ones."
"I think you would have to speak to Sam and Athya about this Olissa as it really has nothing to do with us."
"I will Kate. I appreciate your time." Kate and Adastra nod before the three of them leave the room to head back to the seating.
"That, was a long, conversation." Amistathya trying to ask what Sam would probably wish to.
"I apologise Amistathya but you know there is more happening than just the event. I discussed a few things with Silana which I am sure she will cover with you all. I have a number of things I need to work out before we next meet. I do hope no one minds if I leave now?"
"Have a, pleasant, week." She nods to Sam.
"I do not think anyone minds you leaving Olissa. It has been good to meet you and we hope to talk again sometime."
"I feel the same Adastra. I hope next time we meet can be more productive." Most of the group nods and Olissa exits the apartment.
"Two things. Olissa is going, to be a pain. I also, should mention, two, not four."
"What do you mean by that?" Seliha seemed to be not too happy being left in the dark.
"I may as well say now that Sam has. It was two containers and not four." Hymara sounding a little frustrated at Sam not heeding her advice.
"That is why I was shocked earlier Seliha. I have heard rumours of an industrial chemicals company here on Illium are making the four container variant in traditional fashion hence not according to Illium law. That is why I thought I might have an idea where it had come from."
"Can someone explain the difference to me as Fosanta only mentioned four containers?"
"Four is, safer than two, Kate." Amistathya answering when everyone else was a little confused in their shock.
"Are we talking a lot?"
"About, fifty times."
"So that would be about half a percent chance?" Sam and Amistathya nod to Kate. "I guess given the silence this is a bigger issue than the four container version?"
"I should not say this, and I guess Sam and Amistathya have realised but I feel I should mention it anyway. Using pain killers is the worst decision you can make. The problem is that they are so common these days people will instinctively reach for them. Not knowing the amount of pain means a much greater chance of death. Not only that but the pain killers interact with the poisons making them act in strange ways, even going as far as inhibiting them combining in some cases. At least with the four container set you just keep taking the cure until you are better and it is fairly safe to use pain killers if you need to. It does entirely defeat the intended purpose for the ritual but it will not kill you or cause lasting side effects if you do so."
"So half a percent was the amount before pain killers became common?"
"It could have been less than half a percent but we had painkillers then as well Kate. It is the type of pain killers which causes the problem as the old style ones could cause kidney damage with regular use but they had only a very mild interaction with the poisons. This meant it just took an extra day or two to get to get better but without having much pain. I would assume the death rate would be nearer one or two percent now with the newer and supposedly safer pain killers."
"Could I ask how you know all of this Usarta?"
"I did a doctorate in chemical engineering for biological applications nearly five hundred years ago Yasmari. I extensively studied this exact poison interaction before it was made illegal in council space only twenty or so years later. This is why I refused to investigate once I knew it was the two container variant as the authorities would know I could make it." Yasmari nods. "Sam, Amistathya. If you have a shower or a bath, do not use soap products. It will not harm you if you do but some will make the pain last longer than it would otherwise."
"Thank you, Usarta. Any more, advice?"
"Meld with Sam Amistathya. Mental comfort would likely make you both happier. Also try to find something fun to do to help pass the time. My only important piece of advice though is not to sleep." Amistathya nods.
"Aww but, sleep sounds, good." Sam just about manages a small laugh which cheers Amistathya up a little.
"I best be leaving as I was intending this to be a quick visit to pick the shuttle up. I will see about arranging to meet you again towards the end of the week Sam." He nods. "Have a good night everyone." The group nod and Usarta leaves the apartment to take the shuttle.
"Do you think it was Usarta who sent the pens Sam?"
"No, Selayla. She did not know, Ami, well enough."
"Can you describe how you feel Sam?"
"First time melding. Also, you still, owe me." Adastra laughs at that.
"I cannot imagine being in that much pain and being able to make jokes Sam. I am just happy it is you and not me although I do wish you both well." Sam and Amistathya nod.
"What does Sam mean by you owe him Kate?"
"I might have said I was never going to meld again after the first time Swathana. I was adamant I was not going to have that pain again. Fosanta managed to convince me to a couple of days later and so Sam won his bet that I would." Swathana nods as Kate looks to Fosanta with a smile.
"I think we best be leaving you all as we unfortunately have work tomorrow."
"Adastra does have a point as it is getting late. I will give the interested individuals a rough outline of what we have planned Sam so they can either agree, or make suggestions to us, or both."
"I, like that, idea, Fosanta. Thank you, everyone, for being, understanding, about our, position."
"No problem Sam. You would have done the same for us." He nods to Kate as the ten of them get up. Each say goodbye before they all leave.
"I hope neither of you mind if we use the bathroom after having a drink?" Lianta gets three shaking heads so she goes to the kitchen area where Hymara is already making their drinks.
"I will talk when you two have finished." Silana feeling a little like she is talking to herself as the two of them mop each others noses. She walks over to the kitchen. "I said to Olissa no more than Sam said to everyone yesterday Hymara. I hope that was the right thing to do."
"It would have been better if she had not have seen either of them today, but saying the bare minimum would have made her think it was the four container variant. I suppose it could have gone worse but I did note that neither Olissa nor Usarta made a comment to Amistathya about her markings."
"I feel Olissa struggled to comprehend they were not tattoos. Usarta seemed more worried about their condition so she may make a comment next time, when they are better." Hymara and Lianta nod.
-----
"Could I ask why you did not mention that there are two variants of the ritual Fosanta?" Kate seemingly finding that getting into bed brings out the questions.
"I only know about it from reading an old text book Kate. I have never come across it myself in the real world and I have not heard it ever being discussed before. I thought everyone avoided it because of the drawbacks. I do apologise for not making you aware there was a second variant."
"I understand it is not common, you do not need to be apologetic as I was only curious. Have a good sleep."
"You too as it has been a busy day today." Kate nods and Fosanta turns off the light.
-------
Notes.
Apologies for the posting delay but DNS failures prevented me doing so yesterday.
Next chapter will be of a longer length to attempt to move through the days much more quickly, three at once being the target. I will try to get it done for the 22nd of September but I can not be certain.
Reviews or ratings are always warmly welcomed and reviews do get replies. You can see them all at the following link.
http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/35940-unrealuniverses-review-reply-thread
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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)