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

Chapter List
- 46
- 47
- 48
Chapter 47 - Midweek Madness
Tuesday 14th February 2017
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"I, think, I might be, insane, after all this. Not being, able to, concentrate, on anything, makes the time, feel, very slow." Sam thinking the last few hours have felt like a few weeks, especially so since they have been alone with no one else around.
"Just know, there will be, an end, eventually."
"I just, wish it was, soon." Amistathya snuggles up to Sam a little more as the two of them sit on the sofa looking out of the window. The starry sky gradually turning more of a dark blue as twilight approaches.
-----
"Good morning." Sam hearing footsteps coming down the stairs, glad that finally there will be someone else around who can talk. Silana walks around and takes a seat. "I guess neither of you have slept?" The two of them shake their heads. "I would ask how you are both feeling but I guess tired and not well would be the answer."
"Yes. It was a, nice sunrise, though." Sam trying to find something good in all of this.
"Did you follow Usarta's advice?"
"It was, difficult for me." Silana looks confused. "I, struggle to meld, even normally."
"I am not sure you are making much sense to me Athya. Please do not bother to try and explain for now." She nods with an attempt at a smile. "I guess you would both like some breakfast?"
"We only, ate, not long ago. A drink, would be, appreciated, however." Silana nods to Sam before leaving to have her own breakfast and make three drinks.
-----
Kate walks into the waiting area with a little annoyance as this was looking like a bribe again. "Evanthia?" A basically dressed and slightly bruised Asari stands before walking over to Kate. "Good morning. I am Kate and welcome to Armali Illium. Would you follow me?" The Asari nods and follows Kate into a side room. "Please do take a seat." Kate gestures to the comfy seat opposite where she was about to sit. "I am going to state that I am confused as usually when individuals from dubious companies send someone else it is usually in the form of a bribe." Evanthia just looks a little frightened and sullen at Kate as if to suggest her to go on. "I hope you know why you are here and it would be because Carmitha wishes to extend her licence to use Armali Councils propulsion products. Could I ask why you are here instead Evanthia?"
"Armali needs an individual to be here at least on their behalf to allow the verification to succeed."
"I understand that but given the bruising on the ends of your folds and a small one on your neck you do not fill me with confidence that you are here because you volunteered."
"I was volunteered given I am a servant. All Carmitha wishes is to have her licence extended and given she has better things to do than come here she sent me."
"Are you allowed to say what better things she has to do?"
"I do not know."
"I hope you do not mind Evanthia but please excuse me for a couple of minutes as I need to speak with someone." She nods and Kate walks out of the room and into the hallway to head to Isphara's room. Kate knocks on the door and a pleasant Asari opens the door.
"Hello Kate. Could I help you with something?"
"I was just wondering if I can allow an individual to send a servant against their wishes to come to verification on their behalf?"
"Typically yes but how do you know it is against their wishes?"
"She has bruising on her folds and neck, does not seem at all happy and seems to be avoiding answering questions. I was just wondering if she could be classed as a suitable candidate to appear on their owners behalf?"
"I guess you are asking because the individual is a borderline case?"
"Owner of nocturnal wishes. I guess you have heard of her and the company before?"
"I have unfortunately. You may note that in our system Carmitha is listed as several company owners each of which typically has subsidiaries. We provide contracts on a subsidiary basis that are non-transferrable to company owners. This is an attempt to stop people such as her skirting around our system. I would guess the servant is from one of these other companies and not nocturnal wishes."
"That does not really help me Isphara."
"Apologies Kate. If she is from an alternate company then technically she cannot be classed as a valid representative. I would be weary of making a decision to not agree to the contract without getting the servant to talk given her bruising. Some owners are not averse to using servants as bargaining elements."
"By that you mean what Isphara?"
"The owner may use your empathy to get what they want. I know it sounds harsh but this is not something we can have being allowed."
"I think I understand. Thank you Isphara."
"No problem Kate." Kate nods and makes her way back to the interview room to find Evanthia still sat down, seemingly pondering something nervously.
"I do apologise for that Evanthia but I needed second opinions." Kate opens up the console on the desk and runs a quick check to see who Evanthia's owner really is. "Can I trust you to be honest and truthful with all your answers Evanthia as some individuals I see end up lying."
"Yes Kate."
"So are nocturnal desires really your owner?"
"Of course, I have been with them for nearly three years." Kate checks her screen and sees that legally she is owned by Phanus Holdings but has only been with them for a week.
"I apologise if this is personal and intrusive but have you been treated differently in the last week in any way?"
"I have been on placement away from the company as this logistics company needed more night time workers for a couple of weeks."
"You look as if you would retract that answer if you could Evanthia. I already knew that you were at an alternate company." Evanthia just looks like a grey cloud is hanging over her. "You really do not seem happy about being here. Given that, your earlier answer of avoidance and your bruising makes me think you really are here against your will. Is that the case?"
"It is not my will Kate."
"So if I said I cannot give Carmitha her licence on the grounds that you are not a suitable candidate to appear at an interview on her behalf what would you feel about that?"
"That I have no ill feelings towards you."
"You mean you will be punished for not achieving your goal but you do not blame me for making that decision?"
"I mean I may not live past the end of this month, not just punished Kate. I would rather Carmitha did not get what she wants than for you to go against Armali's rules just because of me. Saving me will just cause me more pain. Please make the right decision."
"I will send the rejection notification to her tomorrow Evanthia. Just promise me that you will do everything that you can to get away before they arrive."
"I wish the goddess gives you a long and happy life Kate. I must however leave but thank you for doing the right thing."
"I am not sure what to say Evanthia other than I wish you every bit of luck that you can find happiness somewhere." She gets up and nods before exiting the room. Kate puts her head in her hands once the door closes.
-----
Fosanta and Seliha quickly find Kate in the Skylounge. "I was going to ask if you have had a good morning Kate but your expression gives me my answer."
"What is wrong?" Fosanta putting her arm around her as Seliha asks the question.
"I had an interview with a servant of a rich individual this morning. It turns out that the rules forbid me to give her the licence but that she had said to the servant to get the licence or in her words that she may not live past the end of the month."
"Did you agree to the licence request then?"
"No."
"Can I ask why?" Fosanta thinking that was awfully unlike Kate.
"I felt sorry for her given the bruises on her folds and neck. She wanted me to make the right decision but I feel awful about valuing someone's life at less than a document."
"I would ask for the afternoon off. I would feel as bad about making a similar decision." Kate nods to Seliha as Adastra arrives and takes a seat.
"Should I ask what has happened?"
"Kate had a difficult decision to make this morning."
"It was a decision between the owner getting the licence and the servant being treated badly or the owner not getting the licence and the servant getting hurt possibly killed but wanting that option as she did not want to go on."
"My sympathies Kate. Those are two options you really do not want to ever be stuck with."
"I hope none of you mind if I leave and go back to the house."
"I will come with you Kate. You need someone to talk to and you may as well have someone to take you back as well." Kate nods. "I will talk to you both this evening." Adastra and Seliha nod as Fosanta and Kate make their way to the administration building.
"I can see this affecting Kate as she was never much of a fan of servants to begin with."
"I wonder if Silana would talk to Kate for a little while? It may help her a little."
"You make a good point Seliha. I will send a message to Sam in the hope he reads it and passes it along." Seliha nods as Adastra opens her Omni-tool.
-----
Sam,
I hope you are well enough to read this. Would you at all mind if Silana had a talk to Kate at the house as she has had a difficult day. I hope that you and Athya get well soon.
Adastra
"Silana." She gets up from the seat in the kitchen area and walks towards Sam and Athya who were lying together on the sofa. Sam gestures her to read the message.
"Do you want me to leave you?"
"Yes. There is, always, the other two."
"Do you need anything before I leave?" The two of them shake their heads. "I will try not to be too long." Silana goes to inform Hymara and Lianta what is to happen before herself and Hymara leave to head to the house leaving Lianta to look after Sam and Amistathya.
------
"I have a drink for you Kate." She wipes her eyes as Fosanta sits back down next to her.
"I have never felt this bad my whole life and saying goodbye to my dad was the toughest thing I could ever imagine."
"You knew that your dad would still be reasonably safe Kate. It is the fact you know Evanthia is going to be hurt that makes the difference." Kate nods as she looks into the cup. The door chime goes which is a little unexpected. "I will get it." Fosanta gets up and walks over to the door. "Oh, hello Silana. Can I ask why you are here?"
"Adastra said that Kate may like to talk to me as she has had a difficult day. I am not sure quite what she meant."
"Come in." Silana follows Fosanta to the seating area and takes a seat opposite Kate and Fosanta. "I guess you would like me to explain Kate?" She nods before taking a sip of her drink. "Kate interviewed a servant this morning. I get the impression that is not uncommon but the fact this one had bruised folds and a bruise on her neck gave her a little concern. She found out that Armali rules disallow Kate to give her owner a licence but the fact that disallowing the licence would get the servant hurt or killed."
"I can see why Adastra perhaps wanted me here then Fosanta. I hope you did not give the owner the license Kate." She shakes her head. "I am in one way relieved and in another deeply saddened. Owners should not get away with this treatment and most certainly should not use servants as emotional leverage to get what they want. Can I ask when you say bruised folds were they in bands or a single bruise?"
"Single, why do you ask?"
"I should not say this but since an Asari's folds have additional nerves to help with melding clamping them can cause rather severe pain and disorientates the brain. I guess the individual you interviewed said the same as I did that you should not give her the licence?" Kate nods. "I know it hurts to make that decision Kate but just know that it was the right one."
"I just feel upset that I have just treated someone as essentially disposable."
"You have done nothing other than your job Kate. If these owners would act like responsible owners then this would never happen in the first place. Just know it is not your fault at all."
"It still does not make me feel any better about the situation."
"I understand that. If you really wanted to make a difference to an individual then taking them as your servant would likely get you their eternal gratitude, especially if it is from a difficult owner. If you want to try and make a wider difference then I guess supporting a charity such as Galactic Acceptance in opening a centre on Illium would maybe help a few lucky servants. The use and abuse of servants will keep happening though Kate and is something you need to accept if you wish to be happy."
"Would you give Sam your eternal gratitude if he was your owner?"
"I am after getting used to the agreement more finding him to be a very pleasant owner Kate. I am sure any mistreated servant would be willing to give everything for such an opportunity with such an owner as I believe Athya knows all too well. Sentix treat me reasonably and so I feel happy enough if I have to stay with them."
"I am sure you are right about Amistathya feeling she owes Sam. I can still see the delight in her face every time she sees him. On that note how are they today?"
"Unwell Fosanta but I must say that they are attentive to each other and I see no reason why they should not get better soon."
"It is good to hear that Silana. I guess we should let you get back to them."
"I am sure they would appreciate having someone to talk to or at least talk to them so I will speak to you both again. Kate, it is not your fault. Walk in tomorrow knowing you did the best job you could do which is better than that owner."
"I will try Silana. Thank you for coming at least." Silana bows her head before making her way out of the house to meet up with Hymara.
"Do you feel a little happier now Kate?"
"Not really but it has made me a little more comfortable which I guess is all I can realistically expect."
"Would a meld take your fancy or are you not in the mood?"
"I would rather just have a shower with you this evening if you do not mind. Something comforting but not too over the top so I feel guilty."
"I understand Kate."
-----
"What happened?" Sam shouting from the sofa as he hears the door close.
"I know you like having someone to talk to Sam but I was not away too long. Kate had a bit of a difficult decision to make and I think Adastra thought she needed a bit of support." Silana sits down in the chair. "Kate had ended up interviewing a servant for an owner she could not give a licence to. She was aware the servant was to be hurt or worse if she did not agree."
"I hate, owners, like that."
"I have had a few who have lacked empathy as well Athya. I was glad that Kate made the right choice not to be manipulated by the owner."
"Agreed."
"Would you both like something to eat?" The two of them nod.
-----
"How are you Kate? I guess Silana has been to have a talk."
"I am getting over it Adastra. Silana did make me feel a little better."
"I think Seliha just wanted you to have another servants perspective Kate."
"I did as I am all too well aware of how some are treated."
"I just wish to put what has happened behind me now. I will make some food."
"I think we will all help Kate." She nods to Fosanta and the four of them walk into the kitchen.
-----
"Are you so unhappy at me drying you Kate?"
"No. I apologise Fosanta. I just feel a little depressed this evening." Fosanta begins drying Kate's back.
"I think you are letting your mind wander." Fosanta gets her towel in a position so that she pulls either end it pulls Kate's arms behind her back. "I think you need a little help." She pulls the towels ends before tying them.
"I am not really in the mood." Fosanta hugging Kate from behind. "Fosanta, while I appreciate the hug it is not exactly helping." Fosanta lets Kate go.
"I know it has been a tough day for you Kate. You said you wanted to forget about it so why are you still thinking about it? All I am trying to do is give you a hug to make you feel a little better as it makes me feel unhappy as well."
"Why do you feel unhappy?"
"I can tell if you are close to me and a basic idea on how you are feeling. The fact you seem to want comfort but will not let me give you it makes me unhappy Kate."
"I am sorry Fosanta. I did not intend to make you unhappy. I would ask what would make you happier but I am not use you would have much appreciation for unenthusiastic expressions."
"Would you be ok with me snuggling up to you in bed Kate? Also if you could give me a little appreciation tomorrow it would make me much happier."
"Yes and I will think of something tomorrow but I would just like some sleep now." Fosanta takes the towel off Kate's arms and the two of them walk through to the bedroom before getting into bed. Fosanta shuffles across to be nearer Kate and brings some of the duvet with her.
"I do hope you sleep well Kate."
"You too." Fosanta strokes Kate's head before turning the light off.
-------
Wednesday 15th February 2017
-------
"Did you both sleep ok last night?"
"I do not think we were too bad once Kate had settled Adastra. What are your plans for the day?"
"I am still battling with the thruster design unfortunately. Thya and Samalya are being very supportive to me and helping out but I am not confident in getting this design finished in time."
"I wonder how Sam and Athya are?"
"I guess fine."
"You could be right Seliha but I will send a message anyway." Fosanta opens her Omni-tool.
"We do not have too long as unfortunately I have to get in early today as Usarta could not change today's early appointment."
"You will be fine Kate." Adastra noting her slight nervousness.
"I realise it was a one off and Usarta was happy I stuck to the rules. I just wish I had another option. We should leave so I have time to calm myself."
"I will see you both later." Adastra and Seliha nod as Kate and Fosanta leave.
"I think Kate is still trying to settle down as she still seems to see everything as a little strange."
"I agree. I think we should be thinking of leaving as well." Adastra and Seliha quickly wash up their breakfast dishes before following Kate and Fosanta to Armali.
-----
"How are you all this morning?" Hymara walking down the stairs to see Silana sitting next to Sam and Amistathya. Lianta was not too far behind.
"I am a little tried but not too bad Hymara."
"Tired. Although, I feel a little, better."
"I am quite glad to hear that, for both of you." Lianta walking to the kitchen area while she talks. Amistathya gets up from leaning on Sam to go upstairs.
"I guess it is just another day of sitting around?"
"Has Olissa, said anything?" Sam deciding perhaps now would be a good time to eat with everyone else.
"No Sam." Sam nods as he takes a seat at the table, yawning as he goes. Amistathya carefully makes her way back down the stairs. Sam's Omni-tool beeps. He carefully opens the message he has just received.
Sam,
We were discussing we should see you at some time. If you could give us an idea when it would be convenient then we would appreciate it.
Fosanta
"Great. I know, people are worried. They really, do not need to be."
"Sam, we are all a little apprehensive. I have not slept too well and I feel Hymara and Lianta have tried to avoid seeing you in that state as it hurts them." Silana looks to Hymara and Lianta who reluctantly nod. "I mean I have only known you five days and I feel like I do. What about Kate or Adastra? Especially after Kate's not great day yesterday as well."
"I apologise." Sam opens his Omni-tool and sends a reply back.
-----
"What was the call about Hymara?" Lianta a little curious.
"A delivery from Atansys Chemical Research with an included datapad."
"Could you look?" Amistathya gesturing to Silana who nods and takes the datapad from Hymara and turns it on.
The box contains most of Amistathya's items she left in her room upon her unapproved departure.
Atansys Chemical Research
"That is the most useless explanation and is also rather odd in that Atansys sound annoyed with your departure Athya and yet they wish to give you your belongings back."
"If you would, kindly, put the box, in the, storage room." She seemed to want to keep talking but decided that was enough information to get what she needed across to Silana who takes the box and puts it with the others.
-----
Adastra is looking over the gas injector design when she receives notification of a new message. She duly opens it.
Adastra,
I was rather against the idea of your proposal at first as it would be something larger organisations would be much better prepared to deal with. That assumption however changed my mind given that what our students need is real world experience, one where not only they get something out of it but it also benefits a charity as well. I discussed your proposal amongst the faculty leaders who seemed keen to offer this to two or three students from the media, arts and performance departments.
I have a list of eight individuals who are keen to undertake this project. We have an empty storage hall in which we are intending to do our work. Please do give us an idea of anything you may need in regards to sets, special effects or props as soon as possible so that we can begin construction of them as soon as possible. Our aim is to produce items of film quality to prove our students have what those companies need.
I hope to hear from you soon and see you in person in the near future.
Castala
Faculty leader, Media department, University of Serrice.
Adastra notes it is not worth beginning to do any more work and so heads up to the Skylounge to meet everyone else. She gets her lunch and looks around to see if the others have arrived. To her surprise she spots Kate, Fosanta and Seliha already sat down eating. She walks over, "I thought I was early." Adastra places her tray down on the table before taking a seat next to Seliha.
"I finished my paperwork early Adastra so that is why I am here.
"Myself and Seliha have just finished next months Bioamp designs. They will begin to be made this afternoon. I also got a message from Sam saying Friday afternoon after work would be the best time to meet him."
"That would be nice. It does however sound like I am the only one who has been working this morning. I do admit that I did recieve a message back from Serrice about the event and the media production. They seem happy to do it and have eight individuals willing to help."
"I think we can manage with eight."
"Well they seem keen to go all the way from set building to final production Kate so they must have a fairly diverse skill set."
"I guess we should decide on sets this weekend then as they will need time to build them."
"I agree with Kate. I think we will get to see the others this weekend and be able to speak to them. I still have not got any replies back to the things we sorted out on Monday yet but we will see."
"I am sure you will get some soon."
"I hope so Seliha otherwise it is going to be a very boring event with no one there. I have an internal meeting shortly so I must leave."
"Is that the one for production?"
"It is Seliha. Do you have to go to that one as well?"
"Fortunately not."
"I should get back to this thruster design as it is not going to finish itself. I will see you all later." Adastra and Fosanta leave the table.
"Can I ask you why you seemed a little more caring yesterday afternoon towards me?" Seliha shakes her head with a little reluctance. "It is ok Seliha I was just curious as it is not really like you recently."
"I have work to do, if you do not mind."
"Have a good afternoon." Seliha nods before leaving Kate to finish her drink.
-----
"I know you may not be too keen to discuss it Seliha but we need to inform Castala if we need any props, special effects or sets."
"Just a room with chairs and as long as there are some individuals around then I think we will be fine."
"I think as I said an interview style video would work well for us both. I am just a little nervous as to how you may react with the others."
"I am not sure either Adastra. I think I would be willing to show my legs if you do as well."
"I was thinking an arm, preferably my left in an image but nothing in video. I would rather come across as a tease than expose everything."
"Perhaps you could put your left arm around me as I am wearing trousers and a bra."
"That sounds like a much better option for me. At least we know we do not need anything special now. Do sleep well." Seliha gives Adastra a light kiss before the two of them stick their heads down.
-----
"I apologise for last night Fosanta but I just needed some time to myself." Fosanta smiling as Kate walks through from the bathroom.
"You know I find your hair a wonderful contrast to blue skin Kate. I do understand you needing time for yourself but I was only trying to make you feel better."
"That is the reason for my apology Fosanta." Kate climbing onto the bed next to her. "Is there anything you would like me to do?"
"Errm. Just a kiss would be fine otherwise I may do something I should not." Kate slowly approaches Fosanta for a kiss, the obvious anticipation in her eyes as she does so making Kate smile.
"So just a kiss?" Fosanta nods. "I feel we need something else."
"What are you proposing Kate?" Fosanta feeling her anticipation deflate.
"I do not know I just feel a kiss is a bit boring." Fosanta seems to ponder ideas before Kate flattens her to the bed giving her the kiss she wanted.
"Did you drag it out to frustrate me?"
"I apologise but it was too tempting." Fosanta sighs with a smile.
"Thank you for this evening Kate. I will have to think of a nice way to meld this weekend." She gives Fosanta another kiss before getting into bed. Fosanta moves the duvet again and tucks Kate in before getting in herself. "Do sleep well my beautiful."
"I will as I know I have a kind and caring individual next to me." Fosanta nods before turning the light off.
-------
Thursday 16th February 2017
-------
Silana, Hymara and Lianta are having breakfast when they hear the door. "I wonder who that could be so early."
"Do you wish to answer Lianta just in case?" Silana also wondering who it could be. Lianta gets up and opens the door.
"Good morning Olissa. I do not think we were expecting you, at least this early. Sam and Amistathya are not up yet."
"That is ok, I can wait." Lianta gestures her in.
"Hello, Olissa. Would you like a drink while you wait?" Silana trying to be friendly but not being too keen at her turning up unannounced.
"I am fine Silana. What time do they usually get up?"
"Whenever they feel like doing so usually Olissa." Silana seeing the two of them walk into the bathroom out of the corner of her eye. "They should not be too long." Silana goes back to finishing off her breakfast at the table.
"Can I ask why you are here so early Olissa?" Hymara wondering if she is on some kind of mission to find something in particular out.
"Armali are wishing for us to make a decision one way or the other by the end of today ideally. Given that I need to find out and discuss as much as possible now so I have something to take to tomorrow mornings managerial meeting."
"So it is great when you turn up unannounced. I hope you do not mind if I eat at the same time." Amistathya and Sam descend the stairs, Sam clearly having less of a headache in that he can at least think without pauses.
"It does not sound like I have much of an option Sam." Olissa playing the calm annoying act. Silana, Hymara and Lianta just watched on quietly, seemingly weary that there could be problems. "I guess I should explain. I am lacking four pieces of information. First is your management skills sound questionable Sam given Silana admitted you basically trusted the individual to do as they are asked. Second you have demonstrated you have illogical decision making capability. Third, Amistathya and her markings cause problems and finally your contract terms were rather remarkable at Armali. Do you have anything to input on those points?" Sam helps Amistathya make the breakfast for the two of them before they go and sit on the sofa adjacent to the chair Olissa was in.
"I think you had your opportunity to get some of your questions asked when you came around on Monday Olissa. I have some of my own which I would like answering first. Starting with why did you not inform Silana of what you were to do?"
"Silana did not need to know the reason for us passing control to you. She was told enough to get the job done."
"Treat others as you would wish to be treated. A saying from my people which seems appropriate in this situation. I..." Sam's Omni-tool beeps and he decides to read the message instead of continuing to talk.
Sam,
I am hoping you are well. I am free this morning if that is convenient else it would be Friday afternoon.
Usarta
Sam sends a quick reply back saying today will be ok if she does not expect too much. "Ok I will try to answer your queries Olissa. First as I said previously, I wish people to trust and respect me I therefore do the same to them. I understand some individuals will not follow this, however most will."
"Most cannot be trusted without an incentive Sam. I guess you may not have practical real world experience of this."
"Ok I am going to change how to approach this. Give me a reason why Amistathya and I should work at Sentix?" Sam getting a bit sick of her finding faults and just annoying him.
"We made an agreement at the beginning of the year to begin to offer Armali's propulsion technologies as a standard option rather than as special order requests. We are just beginning to see an effect on the numbers ordered and means we need more Armali propulsion engineers. You two are both already cleared to do so by Armali."
"So if we do not choose to work at Sentix you would have to get clearance for someone else. I heard that takes a while." Olissa seemed to sense what Sam was getting at which made her a little uncomfortable. "I think now would be a good time to give a good contract offer to sway my decision."
"Our standard contract would be ten percent less pay than you get now, five days a week, overtime pays fifty percent more but is compulsory if requested. Four weeks off a year for holiday time."
"I would get the same contract as Sam in that case?"
"No Amistathya. We can discuss yours in a minute."
"Is your standard contract what you are offering to me?"
"Yes, it is remarkably good for Illium Sam."
"Not as good as Armali though."
"Ok what would you like Sam?"
"A million credits an hour, one day a week, no overtime, a large house on a nice planet and some way to live longer." Olissa seems a little exasperated by Sam's literal interpretation. Silana seems impressed enough however to walk over from the kitchen and sit down on the sofa with Sam and Amistathya. "What I feel is reasonable and a happy compromise, ten percent less pay, three days a week, overtime pays double but time must be agreed at least one day prior, six weeks holiday. Ami gets the same except fifteen percent less pay. The contracts cannot be changed through their period and the period will be one year with automatic renewal unless there is a change to be made by either side." Olissa seems a little shocked as the door chime rings out. "It should be Usarta Lianta." Sam noting as she goes to the door.
"Good morning Usarta, come in." She nods and goes to the sofa opposite Olissa as Hymara and Lianta disappear into their room.
"I am a little surprised to see you here Olissa."
"I have a lot to discuss to see if we can offer Sam and Amistathya jobs." Usarta seems a little confused.
"I thought you essentially agreed to take them on and just had to work out minor technicalities such as Amistathya's contract."
"The board thought it would be wise to reopen everything for negotiation after we discovered you shipped a box from Atansys Chemical Research to here."
"I used to work there. Could I ask Usarta why Armali were even there?"
"Amistathya, Armali obtain various industrial chemicals from them. One is a popular cleaning solvent for rapid manufacturing machines. They are certainly not our favourite supplier, as they have a reputation, but they can provide what we need in the amount and quality we need. We have tried many companies on Illium and they are the most reliable." Amistathya nods. "Olissa, we used the same shuttle which brought in those supplies to take various items to this apartment. In one of the boxes was a surfactant bottle for general cleaning which we obtained from them. This was placed in one of the boxes that was to go to the apartment. So yes we did ship something from them to here but it was only a cleaning solution."
"Anyway as I said the board have decided to reopen negotiations. Sam our offer is the standard contract for you. Amistathya your contract will essentially mean you are tied to us in words only. Sam will get paid an extra thirty percent for time you work which he can then give to you."
"Olissa. I appreciate you have a successful business and it is on Illium where getting the most, for as little as possible, is paramount. What I have heard up to now is you treat servants almost as machines. You dislike anyone who is a bit unusual and are offering a poor contract. I will give you until tomorrow morning to bring a decent offer to the table and give me a very good reason why I should work at Sentix. I would quite like a reason as well why you should host the Galactic Acceptance event. What you have said today has been almost the opposite of what they wish to promote."
"Expect a message later Sam." He nods and Olissa gets up from the seat before making her way out of the apartment, seemingly not happy to be on the back foot.
"I really could have done without that this morning as my headache is still killing me." Sam shuffles a little closer to Amistathya.
"I feel almost angry at myself for not seeing what they are really like Sam. I do apologise."
"I am expecting the authorities to turn up in a couple of hours. Olissa wants to get us as cheaply as possible and the only way to do that is if she ruins our reputation."
"If that does happen after I have left please inform me Sam." He nods. "Silana I get the feeling you are not that comfortable about all of this?"
"I am disappointed in Olissa making Sentix look bad. I really thought they wanted Sam and Athya to work for them but it sounds like they are almost being forced against their will to hire them."
"I am most surprised Olissa did not take you back actually, given their reluctance. I guess I am going to have to inform Thessia that there could be delays in finding you two a job. I really do apologise to both of you."
"I do not think I would be comfortable with a company who sees me as an oddity."
"Amistathya, your markings are rather striking and I feel with some of the more traditionalist Asari that could be seen as a problem. While I personally think they are a bit much I know others such as Sam like them. I hope you do not feel offended by me saying that."
"I understand they may not appeal to everyone Usarta but you seem to understand that they were not my choice."
"Silana can you go and find Hymara and Lianta as they seem to have disappeared." She nods and does so. It was not long at all before the three of them are taking seats. "Usarta I would quite like your opinion on this as well. Should the event be moved?"
"I think you could be rushing to conclusions a little Sam. Wait until they get back to you with the new offer and then make a decision."
"I am glad there is someone thinking sensibly around here Hymara. I think I might see if I can come up with a contingency plan just in case though."
"I think Hymara is right about you waiting to see as this may be a play to try and shake you." Sam nods with a little confusion. "I do have a couple of questions to ask before I must leave you all. How are you both today as you seem better?"
"I feel a little unwell Usarta but I am quite a bit better."
"I just have a headache really as my nose is not running as much now. I am hoping Ami gets better soon."
"You should be both fine by Saturday Sam as long as you keep doing as you are now. I need to ask you to inform me of any developments with Sentix or the event. We will try to support the event wherever it may end up being Sam."
"I appreciate that Usarta. One of us will keep you informed as I am tempted to see if I can get some more sleep. It has been a long morning already."
"I can understand that. I will be awaiting further news. I hope you all have a pleasant day."
"Thank you for seeing us." Usarta nods to Amistathya before leaving the apartment. "I would quite like a drink then I may join you Sam."
"I could do with one as well Ami."
"Can I ask how bad Olissa was as we left when Usarta turned up?" Sam gestures Silana to answer.
"She was not that friendly, she made it seem like Sentix did not want Sam or Athya and she seemed to blame Armali for giving Sam and Athya the ritual resource."
"I feel Armali has treated you well Sam after they terminated your contract. I think given what Silana has just said, Olissa does not know you well enough."
"I would only be impressed now if they agreed to my fairly reasonable contract request and Silana got a similar contract as I requested for Ami. I would also need guarantees that Ami will not be looked upon badly because of her markings and I would like an apology from Olissa."
"I am not sure what that would get me pay wise Sam." Sam opens up his Omni-tool and works out the amount.
"Two hundred per hour Silana and a three day week not to mention overtime paying double that amount."
"Ok. I can see why Olissa was rather reluctant. I could barely dream of getting a contract like that."
"Do not get your hopes up Silana. I am however sure that Sam will try."
"I would appreciate that but I highly doubt I could get anything like that."
"It probably will not but after this morning Sentix are going to have to offer something good. Anyway I will talk later." Silana nods as Sam and Amistathya go upstairs. Silana decides to take a seat with Hymara and Lianta on the sofa, the three of them watching the news.
-----
"It is funny how I have always been the last to arrive recently." Adastra noting as she takes her usual seat at the table.
"Maybe you are just slow." A slight smile from Seliha gives Adastra a little confidence she was joking.
"Or I just have something called work to do Seliha. How are you Kate?"
"I am ok. I have a quieter day today so it is just a little boring."
"Well we had a discussion about the event last night and we decided we did not need anything special in the form of props or special effects. I forgot to mention that we had done so over breakfast."
"Would that be because you were more interested in writing some notes on your Omni-tool Adastra?"
"They were ideas for the thruster and I did not want to forget them Fosanta. They have actually been helpful this morning."
"At least we have some of the video details sorted. We just need to organise the rest with Athya and Whesiva some time soon."
"I am sure it will come together Kate. If you have any ideas you could always make notes like Adastra."
"I may do that as I am just filling out documentation this afternoon."
"I will get back to using my noted ideas. I will speak to you all this evening."
"I will come with you Adastra." Kate gets up and walks with Adastra.
"What did you decide to do for the video Seliha?"
"Nothing elaborate."
"Fair enough. I could do with testing one of the new bioamps to see how the sensors are working." The two of them get up and begin walking back to the biotics building.
"Could I ask if you have thought about rituals Fosanta?" She seems a little surprised at the question.
"A little Seliha but it is difficult as Kate would not appreciate most of them. We have decided to have a break sometime soon so I am thinking I will decide then." Seliha nods. "Have you thought about one for Adastra?"
"I already know which one she would like. It is just timing."
"I am sure that Adastra would appreciate it Seliha when you feel you are both comfortable. I will see you this evening." Seliha nods to Fosanta who turns left instead of continuing down the corridor.
-----
"Ami, if you want you can go and put something non-transparent on." Sam making the comment after the door chime had yet again made itself known. Amistathya nods and goes to put something on as Hymara goes to the door.
"Good afternoon, I am detective Anaya. Could I speak to Sam and Amistathya?"
"Of course, we guessed you may be coming." Anaya seems a little confused by that but follows Hymara to the seats. Anaya sits on one of the two single chairs as Sam walks over to take a seat on the opposite sofa.
"Hello Sam. I am detective Anaya from Illium law enforcement. Where is Amistathya?"
"She will be here in a minute. Could everyone else take a seat?" Lianta seemed intent on running into their room again but takes a seat on the other sofa along with Hymara. Silana sits with Sam. "I guess you have some questions?"
"I would like to wait for Amistathya to arrive before I begin." Sam nods and looks to his left down the corridor to see Amistathya walking towards them. "Hello Amistathya. I am detective Anaya." She nods before forgoing the space next to Sam and sits on his knee.
"I think that is everyone here now Anaya."
"We had a report of yourself and Amistathya undertaking an illegal ritual. While usually we would fine individuals for doing so as it is not that big of an issue, my superiors told me not to in this case."
"Could I ask why?"
"I will say in a minute." Hymara nods. "Would you like to tell me where you got it from?"
"I never got anything myself Anaya, neither did Ami. It was in a box which was left for us when we moved in here last weekend. While Armali delivered the boxes they could not have been the ones who originally got hold of the items."
"What makes you so confident about that?"
"There are some small details which have convinced me they know Ami at least as well as I do. No one at Armali does."
"Small details such as?"
"Hypo-allergenic skin markers so Ami does not have a reaction, the fact that Armali knew Lianta and Hymara were to be with us so why were their boxes not named like ours? I admit a lot adds up to them doing this but it was not. I even asked Usarta afterwards and she had no knowledge at all about what had happened."
"Could it have been one of your friends who work there who placed the box to be delivered?"
"Seliha dislikes me being with Ami, Adastra is not that kind of person, Kate had no idea what the ritual was, the same as I had no clue and Fosanta would not risk getting caught doing something like that. The only other individual I know really is Whesiva and she knows so little about Ami it would not happen."
"The packages may have come from Atansys Chemical Research originally before Armali got them Anaya." Amistathya keen to get one back on her old employer.
"How do you know this Amistathya?" She stays quiet and Silana decides to help out.
"My owner came around this morning and accused Armali of shipping items from them to here. Usarta seemed adamant that the shipment was only chemicals for them and one package was cleaning solution for us but my owner did not seem convinced."
"I guess you are a servant for Sentix then?"
"I am."
"Can I ask you a question Anaya as I am not sure on the legality of melding while on the dangerous list on Illium?"
"We technically enforce the laws surrounding it but we do not add individuals onto the list. We can however flag them for addition if they go into council space in the future but that tends to be patchy at best especially amongst indentured servants. I should not say this but as long as you keep it private then we do not invest the resources to prosecute."
"I am glad to hear that as it would be difficult for Ami and I if that was the case."
"Just keep it between yourselves and you will both be ok." Sam and Amistathya nod. "Could I ask to see one of the containers?"
"Silana, could you get one for Anaya to look at?" She nods and goes to the storage room. "You seem to have a reason for checking Anaya?"
"I do, we are tracking a company producing it on Illium and they all come in containers which hold over a certain amount of fluid. We do not wish to say the amount as it would give them a clue that we know." Sam nods and Silana hands one of the white capped pens to Anaya. "It came in one of these?"
"Yes." Sam and Amistathya say at the same time getting a bit of a laugh. Anaya searches the Thessian address on the label of the pen and seems to get a bit of a shock as she sees the result.
"That is going to be awkward to explain to the sergeant later." Sam laughs.
"Let me guess, a company that specialises in items for bondmates?" Sam's Omni-tool beeps.
"You could put it that way Sam." he nods as he reads the message with Amistathya looking at it at the same time.
Sam,
Inform the detective of the truth. It will make your lives easier.
"I wish people would put their name on messages. Anaya, someone is keeping track of what is happening it seems as they know you are here."
"Can I see that message?" Sam nods. Anaya gets off her seat and sits down on the spare seat next to Sam. He shows her the message. "So you have been lying to me?"
"No Anaya you just never asked the right question. Ami would you like to tell the detective?"
"It was not four containers." Anaya seems a little happier, if unsure, with that comment, more than shocked.
"I really hope the person on the other end of those messages has a plan Sam."
"It cannot be any worse than everything seems to have been these last two weeks Hymara. You seem to be wondering what you have to do Anaya?"
"I apologise. The fact it is two containers would explain the small container size. It does leave me wondering what to do as I am still a bit new to this job. Could you give me five minutes?" Sam nods and she leaves the apartment to seemingly contact someone.
"I cannot quite believe Olissa informed them Sam."
"I said she would Silana. She will likely be after leverage for the contract."
"You mean she wants things she can use to make the contract worse for you?"
"Silana you should not be so worried, Sam knows how to play this game." Amistathya looks to Sam who can only laugh a little as Anaya walks back in through to door and takes a seat back on the single chair.
"I apologise for the delay. We are to treat this as a four container investigation if you will co-operate with us."
"What do you need us to do Anaya?"
"You may be subject to extra checks when you next land on a council world, you must not mention to the media this was the two container variant and pay a thousand credit fine each."
"Sounds reasonable enough to me, when do we have to pay the fine?"
"Within the next seven days at the station Sam. If you arrive in a morning and find me I will help you out as I do deskwork in a morning." Sam nods. "I must leave as I am needed elsewhere. I hope to see you all again soon." The five of them give their goodbyes to Anaya before she leaves the apartment.
"Are you sure it is Sha'ira who gives you those messages Sam?" Lianta barely waiting until Anaya has left.
"I think the individual who sends them changes Lianta. Some are definitely Sha'ira, some such as this I think are someone else." Lianta nods. "I best inform Usarta about this." Sam opens up his Omni-tool to create the message.
"I am curious Sam, how do you know Sha'ira?"
"Hold on Silana." Sam finishes the message off and sends it. "Sha'ira helped Adastra on the Citadel when the Enlighten arrived back. Since I was being a bit of company for Adastra at the time she met me while helping her. Yes she probably knows Ami and I well enough to offer up the ritual but I do not think it was her idea."
"Who do you think it is Sam?" Hymara wanting to get to the bottom of what happened.
"Silana, will you tell Olissa if I ask you not to? This information along with the ritual could cause us some large problems if it gets out."
"I will not say anything about either Sam."
"I think it could have been Holana but I am not sure Hymara. What do you think?" Sam looking up to he sky blue one on his knee.
"She was looking for something Sam. You could be right. Silana, she is one of Sha'ira's acolytes and should not see individuals on her own. That is another reason why it must be kept quiet."
"I understand Athya." Sam gets a new message which he quickly opens.
Sam,
Please come to see me at Sentix. Remind Silana to abide by our rules.
Olissa
"Silana it seems we are going for a trip to Sentix. Olissa wishes me to remind you of their rules."
"Are we to go now Sam?"
"We may as well as I cannot see this lasting long. Oh and if you can use the situation to your own benefit Silana please do so." She nods before going to put something on.
-----
The five of them exit the skycar at Sentix, Silana having her vibrant green collar around her neck. "I guess you know where to go Silana?"
"I do Lianta. Follow me."
"That is not exactly difficult. All we need to do is follow the bright green glow."
"It is not my choice Sam. I would have chosen a different colour if I had a choice." Sam nods as the five of them walk to the lift and take it down five floors. They exit the lift and turn left to walk down a white corridor with what looks like marbled tiles on the floor, through two sets of double doors, before reaching an unassuming door on the left. "We are here." Sam knocks on the door and it is only a few seconds before Olissa appears.
"I was half expecting you to take your time Sam. Come in." The five of them enter a room with a large table in the middle, a single console sitting at the head of the table where Olissa takes a seat.
"I have been told I am a little unpredictable Olissa. Why did you wish to talk here?"
"I needed to inform Silana we will need her on Monday for some work we have just received this afternoon. I also wondered if you had thought about my offer any more?"
"You seem like you are not keen on having myself or Ami Olissa. I would have expected something tempting not something I can get anywhere if I ask nicely enough."
"Amistathya unfortunately makes you a liability Sam. That, your dubious decision making and the fact you do not have practical experience of actually installing thrusters means you are not going to find a better offer Sam."
"My offer was not unreasonable Olissa and I could quite easily pull your licence to use Armali products, give your company a bad reputation and move the event somewhere better. It is not only you who has friends in high places, Ami even knows the councillor herself." Sam knew that was a bit of a lie but it sounded good. "I would be open to a compromise but you need to be willing to negotiate."
"Ok I will negotiate but all changes will have an impact on Silana which are to be decided by me." The other four Asari seem shocked as Sam laughs.
"Ok then, five times the pay I got at Armali, two day weeks, ten weeks holiday, overtime pays double and must be confirmed at least a day in advance, a two thousand credit signing bonus, a personal transport ship. I would also like Silana and Ami to be in my team. Ami's contract is to be the same except twenty percent less pay. She would also like a clause which states any negativity towards her natural markings will result in prosecution on discriminatory grounds." Sam smiles to Olissa who seemed unable to work out where to start.
"Silana, now you know why I said not to underestimate Sam." Silana nods but still seems a little worried how much this is going to cost her.
"I would have liked you to offer Silana a little more in the way of payment for her services while you are at it Olissa. I know she is a servant but the fact she seems to care about her job should be rewarded."
"That would be almost as much as I get for my job Sam."
"Perhaps you should think about getting a new job then Olissa. As I said I am open to reasonable negotiation but you really need to give me an incentive to work here." Olissa turns on the console in front of her and seems to do some calculating.
"My final offer is as follows Sam. I will offer ten percent less pay than you had at Armali but a three day week. The first eight hours of overtime are paid at fifty percent more, the remainder double. I will inform you in advance of overtime. You also have six weeks holiday and I will offer a personnel transport of your choosing between yourself and Amistathya if you work on it in your free time. Amistathya, you get the same but an extra twenty three percent less pay. I also have three requests and an offer that go with this as well Sam."
"What would they be Olissa as I would like to hear everything before I decide?"
"The requests are, taking Silana from us. We will cover any integration costs with yourself. The second request is that the passenger transport while yours should have Sentix Spaceworks branding on it somewhere. The last request is that if all three of you are to be on holiday then the holiday period is no longer than one week. The offer is if you take Silana she will get the same contract as has been offered to Amistathya."
"Before I make a decision, I would be interested in knowing why the sudden change Olissa?"
"I try to get the best deals I can possibly get from everything Sam. Most individuals in this company have their own unique contract and it is usually just above what they would get elsewhere. For you Armali had offered you one of the best contracts we had seen for your role and we were unwilling to offer the same under any circumstances. This is why I tried desperately to convince you that you are not worth that much. You have convinced me eventually that you are worth more than we thought hence the better offer. I know it is not quite as good as you had at Armali but it is the best we can offer. Silana will end up being paid very well even if we were on Thessia, if you agree to be her owner."
"I guess in real terms the cost to you for Silana will not change much?"
"We ideally needed two individuals working five day weeks really Sam. We after you wished Amistathya to have a job meant we had to budget for two full time individuals as well as Silana. The fact you seem to wish to have a three day week means we are essentially paying Silana from the hours that you do not want."
"I see how that works well for us all. Do either of you three have a problem with Silana occupying a bit of space in the apartment?"
"We are only there to protect you Sam, it is not really up to us what choice you make."
"I like having Silana around Sam, she is a friendly individual."
"Silana are you happy to be my servant on a permanent basis?"
"I have no objections to that Sam."
"I just have one question Olissa. When you say personal transport of our choosing what do you mean?"
"For passenger transports we provide a choice of hull and allow our clients to design their own interior, specify the essential parts and then build it. We will offer up to our five metre diameter, thirty five metre length design and anything you wish adding in. If you wish to go larger certain additional costs will have to be borne by yourselves." Sam opens his Omni-tool and does some calculating.
"I guess that is a shorter than standard variant Olissa?"
"It is our standard size for ion propulsion in the smaller hull line Sam, but I guess from your role in plasma propulsion at Armali you may wish to use that instead. We will cover either choice but using plasma propulsion will eat into your available space. We usually use a forty five metre hull for plasma propulsion as the electrolysis unit and larger thrusters easily use the extra space." Sam has an idea and wonders if Armali and Sentix would be willing to do so.
"Can I request a specific design from Armali for the propulsion?"
"I will message you a couple of files with our price list and a 3d model so you can have a go planning what you would like if you all agree with the offers you have been given. As long as the cost of the custom Armali variant does not exceed the highest cost on the list for a similar design then we will cover it." Sam nods before looking to Amistathya.
"I am considering what has been offered. What about my sky blue one?"
"Olissa, I have two questions." She nods. "Am I to work with Sam and are their any specific rules such as Silana has at the moment?"
"We are hoping Sam would technically lead you both in installing, maintaining and repairing Armali's products, therefore unless Sam was to split you to each work on your own thruster, which may be necessary at times, you would work together. I know Silana will have to teach you both what to do and therefore would be the one making the decisions to begin with. There will be one rule Sam in that Amistathya and Silana will need some visible way of identifying them as yours and not owned by Sentix. You would therefore have no extra rules Amistathya as your braid would be suitable." Amistathya nods.
"I am happier now Sam."
"It seems Ami and I will agree but on the condition the contract cannot be changed, it is one year in length and automatically renews unless changes are to be made."
"We would prefer to have the confidence of you being here for five years to begin with Sam, after the five we can do as you suggest."
"Ok as long as no changes can be made in that time without consent from both sides. Armali tried to get me on that one; I think they offered such a good contract to get me there and then was planning to reduce it." Olissa laughs.
"That would explain why it was so good." Olissa goes to some drawers in the corner and takes out four datapads. She places them next to the console and seems to do some processing. She them hands one of them to Silana, one to Amistathya and two to Sam. "If you could carefully read through the contracts and sign them I would appreciate it. Amistathya, yours does not have the passenger transport on it but given you are bondmates with Sam I thought it only needed to appear on his contract." Amistathya nods as Silana hands back the signed pad. Sam takes his time to very carefully work his way through the contract.
"Well it is a simpler contract, than the Armali one was to read. I just have one question Silana. I see a day is defined as nine till six, if we work over can we opt to take the overtime as a day off instead of as credits?"
"You mean if you wanted an extra day off between Monday and Friday so you worked the previous Saturday to cover it?" Sam nods. "I think I will agree to that Sam." Olissa, after a moments pause realising that doing that could mean less overtime being paid. Sam modifies his contract before doing the same for Amistathya. The two of them sign the pad and hand them to Olissa.
"I think Silana would like that offer as well Olissa, unless you are going to be mean again." Olissa picks up her pad and modifies it to be the same. She hands the pad back to Silana who checks the change and signs it before handing it back.
"You just have the last pad to modify to your liking and sign Sam." Sam goes mad with the delete key and makes the contract the same as Amistathya's excluding the not asking about the past limitation as well. Sam signs it.
"I guess it should be Silana who I hand it to?" Olissa nods and Sam holds it out for Silana to take which she does. "Silana, you have basically agreed to this with our arrangement. You will find it makes no difference to how you were treated before, trust me on that." Silana looks a little unsure but signs the pad before handing it to Olissa who does not bother reading it. "I have one question Olissa. I hope given Silana still had time on her contract that the ending of the contract was by mutual agreement. Ami has had so many problems with owners being unreasonable like that."
"I have specified the reason as offered for re-employment Sam which will cause her no issues in the future as it shows it was our decision."
"I appreciate you seemingly being a reasonable owner Olissa."
"We try to get the best from our servants Sam while treating them well. It is not always an easy balance but the system we have works well for our six thousand servants. I appreciate you agreeing to a more reasonable contract and I hope to see you three on Monday morning." The three of them nod and everyone leaves the room to head back to the skycar. Sam sends a message to Usarta as they walk down the corridor.
"You look a little on edge Silana. I thought you would be happy about not being a Sentix servant any more?"
"I am. It is just a little nervousness after signing that contract."
"I understand what you are perhaps thinking but nothing will change from this morning as I said earlier." Sam walking typing and talking at the same time, Hymara having to stop him of walking too far after he nearly walks past the lift. "Whoops. I should watch where I am going."
"It would be best if you sent messages while you were doing nothing else Sam. It is safer that way." Sam nods as the lift doors open and the five of them get in.
"It is not really the fact I am essentially reduced to a virtual entity Sam although that in itself is rather scary. I will explain when we get back." Sam nods as he finishes off the message and sends it just before the lift stops. The five of them exit and begin to walk to the skycar, Sam still typing as he walks.
-----
"Well at least that is today over with. I only have one appointment early tomorrow afternoon which is nice."
"The biotics department is also fairly quiet given there is no testing this weekend. We do however have to prepare the next round of bio-amps to be shipped tomorrow to the testers."
"So I will get a new one tomorrow then Seliha?"
"You should do. I will give you a message to pick it up when it is ready." Adastra nods.
"I am a little more interested in visiting Sam and Amistathya. I hope they are better than they were on Monday." Adastra gets a message which she breaks off eating to read.
Adastra,
I feel my headache is hurting me more now but we have got somewhere to work on Monday. I will explain everything tomorrow.
Sam
"It sounds as if Sam has just worked out a contract with Sentix. He said he will explain more tomorrow."
"Well that is good news. I do not blame him for waiting until we visit tomorrow to explain."
"Sam must have done some convincing to get Olissa on his side as she really did not seem all that keen to hire them. How she changed quite so much from our very pleasant meeting we had at Armali I do not know."
"I guess some people show certain sides to certain people Kate. I would not worry too much if he has a job as I am sure Sam has got a decent deal out of it all." Kate nods to Adastra.
-----
"I am thinking food, shower and then bed as my head still hurts."
"That sounds like a good idea for you Sam as we have the rest of them coming around tomorrow."
"I forgot that everyone was coming, but more important is that you still seem a little anxious. You said you would explain when we get back Silana."
"I am both happy to be getting fairly ridiculous pay and to not have to be with Sentix anymore. The contract while I can see what you mean by it being no different to our agreement is not quite the same Sam."
"Would you care to elaborate why?"
"In the agreement there is one thing I would have not let you do to me. Now I would have no option." Amistathya comes back from the downstairs room in her transparent clothes.
"Silana, it would probably be best if you say to Sam what you do not like while I make some food." Sam and Silana help out Amistathya as they talk.
"I once had the displeasure of having to wear a disruptor for a short contract I once had. It was only used on me actively for a few weeks but I hope to never see one again as it was awful."
"Would you like to explain what a disruptor does and why you disliked it Silana?"
"They are an advancement on active biotic limiters for slave control. About the only things you can do when it is active is lightly breathe and move your head, but even doing that causes pain. Any attempt at movement just causes excessive pain and your body does nothing useful. The limiter if it has been mapped to you can allow an owner to take all control of your legs away when they wish and you are unable to do anything at all about it."
"Can you not remove the device?"
"If you touch the device with anything it removes your control Sam."
"I understand your concern Silana but I am convinced you are not a difficult individual so I would have no need to use such a device. As I said just act in the same way as you have over the last few days and everything will be fine. I am going to have to discuss with you how you wish to show that you are not a Sentix servant but that can be tomorrow if you wish." Amistathya gets Hymara and Lianta from upstairs as Silana and Sam take a seat at the dining table.
"So what I have been doing the last few days has been the contract?"
"That is what I was trying to explain Silana. Essentially the one and only rule you need to stick to is abide by the agreement we have. The agreement has some flexibility in that you can suggest alterations or through rewards get it changed such as your ability to use seats now. I hope you can now see what I mean a little more clearly."
"I can Sam. I feel a little happier now and I would like to thank you again for getting me such a good work contract. Could I ask what I am to get exactly so I am sure?" Sam, Hymara and Lianta take their seats, Amistathya kneeling on hers.
"Two hundred credits an hour, three days a week working, overtime pays fifty percent more for the first day or double for any time over that amount and six weeks holiday a year. You are however loosing free meals and your own little apartment."
"I think it will be a little while before I finally accept I will be treated as a non-servant employee. I mean even getting paid that much per week would have been a good deal. I am considering having a similar collar to Athya's Sam as it does look quite nice and it would mean we would match." Amistathya smiles a little before she moves her plate away to be washed.
"Think about it tonight Silana as I really need an early night now. Negotiating is really difficult to do on a few bad nights of sleep."
"I will clean the plates and tidy everything away if you and Athya wish to sleep Sam."
"I appreciate you offering Silana. I will speak to you all in the morning." Lianta and Silana nod.
"Hopefully we should have no early visitors tomorrow." Sam laughs and nods to Hymara as Amistathya joins Sam to go upstairs.
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Notes.
Apologies for delays but this chapter was a much bigger pain to write than I thought. I will post chapter forty eight on the 6th of October as it is very nearly completed.
I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Please do review or rate if you have the time as it would be much appreciated.
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Marked Effect (AFF Edition)