Family

Thessia 1994CE

Benezia took centre stage in a beautiful long blue and white gown, with a light blue shrug to keep her shoulders warm. Her feet were hidden amongst the flowing fabric of the dress. She approached the microphone, and curtsied towards Aethyta, and then Aethyta curtsied back and left the stage.

"Greetings everyone" She called out to the crowd. The crowd roared with a return of greetings. After an hour of Benezia discussing her policies and her beliefs, she decided a questions and answers round was in order.

"I'd like to take this chance to allow you, the audience, to ask questions of me for a change. Any questions?" She smiled, a young purple asari ran on stage with a chair and lowered the microphone for Benezia as she sat down. Hands shot up all over the event hall, Benezia scanned the crowd and picked out a person.

"You, the salarian with the beautiful, red patterned cloak" She smiled, gesturing to the salarian.

"Thank you" The salarian replied. "I was wondering what you thought about science?"

"Science, I believe, is the future" She began. "I may believe in the Athame doctrine, but science improves our standards of living before we pass on into another form of existence, also I do support and fund several different research project" The crowd applaud edthe wisdom Benezia bestowed upon them, every word that comes from her lips the crowd respond to. They absorb it like the mind of a child, her influence is surprising.

After several other questions from the various asari and one of the volus, Aethyta came on stage and whispered in Benezia's ear. Benezia then scanned the crowd as if searching for someone. The crowd followed her gaze, Shiala included. Then her eyes stopped and inspected what she had gazed upon. A young asari commando sitting right at the back. A wave of panic rushed over her, Shiala soon realised Benezia's gaze was focused on her.

"Shiala" Benezia spoke. Shiala froze staring, unintentionally, at the Matriarch.

"Shiala, don't be afraid" Benezia held out her arm towards the Commando. Shiala stood up from her chair, looked towards her mother who smiled, and walked to the central isle and walked towards the Matriarch.

"Shiala here has just graduated from Commando training" Benezia spoke to the crowd. "Am I correct?" She looked at Shiala.

Shiala nodded nervously. Once she reached Benezia she bowed her head in respect and took Benezia's hand as she stepped up to the stage.

"Shiala, I've seen your records. You've sparked interest from many Matriarchs" Benezia smiled

"I… I have?" Shiala's jaw dropped, she knew she had done well during training but she never thought anyone would take interest.

"Yes dear" Benezia chuckled. "Come and find me after the show, we'll talk more okay?"

Shiala nodded. "Yes, I'd like that, thank you"

The event went on for another hour, with Benezia discussing some of her public scientific projects and also the projects she had funded to help the needy. The roars from the crowd confirmed what Shiala already knew. Benezia was a very influential person.

"Come on Mother, we need to go and see Matriarch Benezia" Shiala spoke quickly, pulling her mother by her hand.

"Slow down Shiala, she can wait a few minutes, let the people leave first" Shiala's mother exclaimed.

"We're nearly through" Shiala spoke as she pushed passed the crowd that was walking in the opposite direction. "We're hear"

Shiala slowly walked up the steps to the stage, her mother followed being pulled along. She reached the top of the stage and glanced around. She noticed Aethyta standing to the right of the stage. Aethyta waved the asari pair over. Once they reached her Aethyta smiled.

"So you're Shiala" Aethyta began. "And you are?" She spoke gesturing to Shiala's mother.

"My name's Alessa" Her mother responded, bowing her head in respect "I'm Shiala's mother"

"It's a pleasure to meet you both" Aethyta responded, also bowing her head. "Come, I'll take you to Benezia"

With that Aethyta turned and walked to one the back rooms. Shiala and Alessa followed in silence.

"Benezia, Shiala is here"Aethyta spoke as she entered the well furnished lounge area.

"Shiala come, sit down" She smiled.

"This is Alessa, Shiala's mother" Aethyta said, gesturing towards Alessa.

"It's a pleasure to meet you" Alessa said to Benezia.

"Likewise, please take a seat" Benezia spoke as she gestured towards the seat.

Alessa sat down next to Shiala and Aethyta left the room.

"Now, you're probably wondering why I asked you to come and see me" Benezia began, placing her hands on her own lap. Firstly, what did you think of the event?"

"Everything you said just fit perfectly into everything I believe, it's like I was supposed to come here and listen to you" Shiala spoke, a smile developed across her lips as she spoke.

"Well, you're an impressive person, Shiala" Benezia began, not responding to what Shiala said. "In training you were impressive, so impressive that many Matriarchs became interested in you, as you already know" Benezia smiled, then continued. "I want to ask you if you'd like to be one of my bodyguards, something more than a follower"

Alessa's heart sank, her palms went sweaty.

"By the Goddess!" Shiala screamed.

Benezia smiled, judging from Shiala's reaction, she'd have a very capable bodyguard.

"Sorry" She stammered. "That just took me by surprise, of course I'd love to be your bodyguard!"

Alessia's heart rose in her throat, holding back a tear. Benezia smiled, not noticing Alessa's reaction.

"But" Shiala continued, Benezia's smile slowly disappeared. "I've been back from training for 2 days, and I've hardly seen my mother for 30 years, I couldn't leave her just yet."

Alessa let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in, she wiped her palms on the sides f her clothes. Benezia was surprised she had been rejected, but the circumstances were understandable. Benezia stood up and forced a smile.

"Family is the most important thing, and one of my most valued treasures. I understand. Well we will be in town for a couple more days, if your mind changes" Benezia spoken holding out her hand for Shiala. Shiala shook her hand.

"Goodbye Matriarch Benezia" She bowed her head and went to walk out the room.

"Goodbye Shiala, Goodbye Alessa" Benezia smiled, shaking Alessa's hand.

The pair walked out the room, once they left Aethyta walked in.

"Well Nezzy, what did she say?" Aethyta spoke, already certain the asari had refused due to Benezia not smiling.

"She refused, due to the fact she had just got back from training and wanted to see her mother more" Benezia spoke, holding Aethyta's hands. "It's understandable, just bad timing on our part"

Aethyta kissed Benezia, let go of her hands.

"Get some rest Nezzy, it's getting late" Aethyta smiled "I'm sure she'll come round"

Aethyta walked out the room, and Benezia sat at her terminal checking her messages before leaving the room and going to her designated bedroom.