A/N: Okay here is the next installment. Thank you, once again to T-Rex-Ninja-Kid, Metaladdict and redx2597 for the reviews. They always make me warm and fuzzy. And thank you to everyone else who is favouriting me, it really helps me keep going on this.
So, work has been crazily busy lately, meaning that I haven't had any time whatsoever to write. I am only maybe 2 chapters ahead so far with what has been posted, so there may be some delays forthcoming. Hopefully now, with some new staff, I will have time to write, but that won't be until this time next week. Next week's update will be your last until I get some more written.
As always, please read and review, it makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.
Warnings: There's a bit of violence in this chapter, and some flirting...
Saorise tugged at the hem of her dress blues. She had never been comfortable in the formal attire of the Systems Alliance military. Her already immaculately crisp uniform straightened slightly more as Saorise crossed the stage to receive her officer's bars. Shore leave for her second year was about to commence and the promotion ceremony that commenced the cadets' leave had just begun. Saorise had risen to the rank of Corporal at the end of her first year of training. The combination of her field training in South America, her private biotics training and her high test scores had warranted her rise through the ranks.
Saorise's back was ramrod straight as Lieutenant Commander Sergei Ivanov removed her enlisted insignia and clipped the single thin gold bar on her lapels to signify her new officer rank of 2nd Lieutenant. She gave the Lieutenant Commander a crisp salute and exited the stage at a round of applause from the cadets seated in the large auditorium. Saorise made her way to her seat in the front section of the auditorium, her back straight as she sat through the rest of the promotion ceremony, clapping as each newly promoted cadet crossed the stage. She was infinitely pleased that the graduation ceremony was a separate affair; it was bound to be far more boring than what she was already enduring.
The last of the students received their new rank and the ususal rousing closing speech was given by Lieutenant Commander Ivanov. Everyone gathered rose as one and gave their best salute, throwing up their hats as the crisp shout of "dismissed" was given. Now they were at leisure and for the first time since she had enlisted, Saorise had plans to leave the base.
Saorise mingled in the auditorium, not wanting to skip out too soon on the party that had just begun. She froze as Taryn's sweet voice sounded just behind her, "not looking to skip out on us already, 2nd Lieutenant?" she all but purred and Saorise suppressed a shiver. The last year with Taryn had been more difficult than she could have imagined. Finally they had admitted their attraction, not that they were in a position to do anything about it, but it had brought the two women closer as friends. Though they had not truly 'dated', they did spend every free moment together, almost to the exclusion of all others. They also maintained their rendezvous in the classrooms to watch the classic vids that Saorise favoured, though Taryn mainly watched Saorise.
Questions had been raised about their relationship, but the two women were too smart to incriminate themselves and not even other students had been able to say they were any more than friends. Brief touches and heated looks were not enough to be courts martialled over. Things were about to change, though. With Saorise's promotion, she was being transferred out of Echo and into a new, smaller biotic squad. Though she had not been told the exact designation for her new, much smaller unit; she did know that Taryn would not be in it and thus they would no longer be under the same direct chain of command. The new posting afforded the two women the chance to finally go out on a date without breaking the stringent fraternisation regulations of the Systems Alliance Military.
Saorise knew that Taryn was struggling to not do what they both wanted: to snake her arms around Saorise's waist from behind and pull the newly promoted officer against her. Saorise turned slowly to find Taryn standing impossibly close. Saorise's deep jade eyes met the stormy grey of Taryn's before wandering down to full lips and slender neck. The thinly veiled desire in Saorise's heated gaze caused goosepimples to rise on Taryn's flesh as Saorise's eyes wandered lower, devouring Taryn's body with her eyes.
Saorise's eyes wandered back up to Taryn's and Saorise's trademark lopsided smirk graced her features, "wouldn't dream of it, Ma'am" Saorise purred. Taryn swallowed past the lump that had suddenly formed in her throat from the desire that Saorise's tone invoked. "I think I need a drink" she said, mainly to herself, and Saorise's smile grew wider. Taryn forced her eyes to break from Saorise's piercing gaze and made her way over to the bar.
Saorise couldn't help but feel proud of herself for the affect she was having on Taryn. Officially, she was off-duty; and as her next posting was on her new team, the anti-fraternisation regulations no longer applied. She had every intention of driving Taryn crazy before Taryn took them to the Scottish Highlands for their shore leave. Saorise rested on the bar, her body angled towards Taryn's as she ordered them both a scotch on the rocks. Taryn had chosen the location for their shore leave. It was fairly close to their London base, so they would not spend much time travelling, and Taryn assured Saorise that it was cooler than London. As Taryn had all but demanded that Saorise remain oblivious to their trip, Saorise had refrained from researching their holiday and was going to do her best to just roll with it.
The bartender gave a short nod and poured their single malts into the small tumblers. Neither Saorise nor Taryn had ever seen much reason to drink themselves into a stupor, and were more than content to nurse their scotches for the time being. Saorise took Taryn's elbow gently and led them out towards the balcony. Even though their base was right on London's outskirts, a few determined stars still remained visible against the dark sky.
Saorise took in a deep breath. She could not wait to be out of the city. Her lungs always felt clogged with the smog of the city, even out on the base. She missed the crisp clean air of her home world. "What are you thinking about?" Taryn asked, standing close enough that they brushed at shoulder and hip. Saorise turned so that her back was to the balcony, resting her elbows on the ledge to support her weight. "Just that I can't wait for us to be out of the city, tomorrow."
A small smile tugged at Taryn's lips and she nudged Saorise's shoulder, "and here I was thinking it was something far more wicked".
Saorise laughed softly, her deep voice echoing on the empty balcony. "Well I can't deny that I have thought very nefarious thoughts of late"; Saorise's glinted cheekily at Taryn in the darkness.
Taryn's voice was virtually a whisper as she rested her arm on the balcony, her body brushing lightly against Saorise's, "I hoped that would be the case."
Saorise turned, her hand finding Taryn's and their fingers linked instinctively as Saorise pulled Taryn close. They had been flirting and teasing for over a year. As foreplay went, it had been downright torturous, and now the end was finally in sight, the slow seduction they both seemed intent on; was all the more intoxicating. "What makes you think I'm going to give up the goods so easily?" Taryn purred, her head tilting to reach towards Saorise's lips, directly contradicting her words. Saorise took a slow sip from her scotch.
"I never said you would." She graced Taryn with her cocky lopsided smirk, but her eyes were all desire and a deep longing.
The unbridled hunger in Saorise's emerald eyes caused her breath to hitch. She had no intention of giving in that easily, but if Saorise decided to turn on the charm, she knew she did not have the strength to play hard to get. As that realisation hit her, Taryn realised with a combined sense of dread and anticipation that Saorise had been taking it easy on her. Taryn stepped away, leaning back against the balcony to put some distance between her and Saorise. Her deep breath came out somewhat shakily as she felt more than saw Saorise draw closer.
Saorise was careful to not actually touch Taryn. Instead, she stood just behind her, close enough that Taryn would be sure to feel the heat radiating off her body. Taryn's athletic body stiffened and Saorise smiled. She leaned forward, her arm resting just beside Taryn's on the railing. Taryn couldn't help herself, she turned around and suddenly found herself trapped. Taking her opportunity, Saorise rested her other hand on the railing, effectively trapping Taryn between her body and the balcony's stone rail. Her breath hitched as Saorise's large green eyes froze her in place.
Taryn fought the urge to shiver. Her nerve endings seemed to be pulsing and she was amazed that her body wasn't engulfed in the soft blue light of her biotics. She leaned in, her head tilting up and her hands coming to rest on Saorise's hips. Saorise's breath hitched at the contact and it took all the willpower she had to not press her body against Taryn's and capture her in the deep kiss they had both been longing for.
The small amount of space between their bodies almost crackled with electricity. It had only been seconds, but it seemed like hours that Saorise had pinned Taryn with her eyes and her body. Warmth spread over Saorise's hips, emanating from where Taryn's hands rested comfortably. Taryn leaned forward, hoping to catch Saorise's lips but the taller woman stepped back, breaking the spell that they had woven between them. "I'm not letting you off the hook that easily", she whispered, her voice deep and husky with yearning. Taryn's shaky breath was reward enough as Saorise linked their fingers and led them back to the safety of the auditorium; it was clear that temptation was too much when alone in the dark.
Saorise's grip on Taryn's hand was light, but the tension in her shoulders and the slow, controlled breaths she was taking belayed her calm words. She had been just as close to succumbing to her need as Taryn had been, but tasting Taryn's sweet lips tonight was not part of the plan. Despite not knowing where Taryn was taking them, Saorise had a definite plan of attack to seduce Taryn, and having them teeter on the edge of control tonight was just the beginning. Her own body burned with need. The gentle caresses, the hungry looks, and the soft seductive tone had Saorise's skin on fire and her body thrumming with passion.
Saorise stopped at the buffet and selected a few innocent looking items. Though it seemed to be fairly similar to the 'food', if you could call it that, that they served in the mess; it still appeared to be more gourmet. Taryn was both dismayed and thankful that Saorise had broken the spell that she had very deliberately woven over them while they were on the balcony. Finally, her heart had slowed back down and she brushed against Saorise as she snagged a small savoury pastry from Saorise's plate. "So have you packed for shore leave yet?" Taryn made her way with their snacks to the far side of the room, away from a rowdy group of marines celebrating their recent promotion.
She has a thing for taking me to dark corners Taryn thought to herself and her mind continued on the narrative; all the better to seduce you with, my dear. Saorise leaned her shoulder against the wall, and crossed her legs. It was a relaxed pose, but it also did wonders to show off Saorise's well-muscled body under her dress blues. Saorise smiled and gave a slight nod, "aye. But you have not made it easy for me, it's hard to pack when I don't know where we are going."
Taryn laughed softly, resting her hand on Saorise's where it was hooked in her belt loop, "I've told you the general area so you can pack appropriate clothing to suit the climate, which is really all you need to know at this point."
Saorise's smile turned somewhat predatory, and it was as if a switch had been flicked. Gone was the Alliance officer and strong biotic. What remained was a strong, seductive, dominating, sexy woman; a woman that knew exactly the effect she was having on Taryn. Saorise's voice was normally deep, but now it dropped even lower, adding huskiness to it that was not completely put on, "but if you told me more, Ryn; maybe I could plan a little something of my own." Taryn shivered at the use of Saorise's pet name for her and the way her words slithered over her skin much like her own biotics did, causing her nerve endings to come alive.
Taryn could not help but to lean in closer to Saorise but the taller woman laughed, unbuttoning her jacket and loosening her tie and top buttons. Taryn followed the movement with her hungry eyes. She did not think it possible, but Saorise was even more arousing with her dress blues dishevelled than she had been when she had them crisp and tidy. Saorise's knowing smirk told Taryn that she was well aware of the effect she was having and that she was enjoying putting Taryn on edge.
Taryn's laugh was shaky and she forced herself to put some distance between them. "You're picking me up at dawn?" Saorise asked innocently, as if that whole seductive scene had never happened. The polite soldier was back and Taryn was not sure if it was an improvement or not. "Y-yes. The barracks will be all but empty since most are taking off tonight. We will have our pick of the shuttles as well." Saorise smiled and nodded, "aye, it was always my favourite time on base, having the barracks almost all to myself."
Saorise pushed herself off the wall and finished the nibbles on the plate, "well, if you expect me to be bright eyed and bushy tailed at dawn, I had best get to my bunk." She gave Taryn a cheeky smirk, "you're welcome to join me if you'd like." Though her tone clearly conveyed that it was a joke; the heated gaze she fixed on Taryn caused Taryn to break the eye contact and blush slightly. Saorise gave Taryn's hand a gentle squeeze, "I'll see you in the morning, Ryn". She smiled softly and then sauntered out of the auditorium.
Once reaching the safety of the cool London night air, Saorise took a deep breath. Her nerves were ablaze with desire and her heart was beating like crazy. She did not think she would have been able to tease Taryn more without having taken things further. Saorise clenched and unclenched her fists. Though she was leading the slow seduction with Taryn, she was more than a little nervous with how things would go when they progressed. As forward as she had been, Taryn knew that Saorise was completely inexperienced. Vids and extranet sites, though they could give good information, were a poor substitute for the real thing. As much as Saorise wanted, needed to be in control, she was certain that Taryn would be taking charge, at least a little bit, over the course of their shore leave.
Saorise did not return to the barracks just yet. It would be absolute chaos, with the recruits scrambling to gather the last of their things and make it to the shuttles before they all departed. Only a handful would remain overnight; and all the females in Saorise's barracks would be leaving for their shore leave. Saorise stripped out of her jacket and sat it on a nearby railing. Though her dress shoes were not suitable for exercise, Saorise desperately needed to burn off a lot of the excess energy that Taryn had ignited in her. Looking around the deserted commons, Saorise quickly unbuttoned her dress shirt. Wearing just her dress pants, shoes, and sports bra, Saorise set a punishing pace through the commons and around the outbuildings. With any luck, after running a few laps of the mile long circuit, she would have burned off enough energy that she might actually manage to get at least a little bit of sleep.
Saorise's body had responded well to the Alliance's enhancements. Being of slightly above average height for a woman, Saorise was all lean muscle. Her pale skin pulled tight as her muscles flexed and stretched as she ran. Though not as physically intimidating as a lot of other soldiers of her size, Saorise had a commanding presence and a deadly grace to her movements. Saorise had long been fascinated with the old human martial arts practices. Though some had become incorporated into Alliance basic hand-to-hand combat training, Saorise had taken matters into her own hands.
Tae-Kwan-Do had been her discipline of choice. The combination of deadly strikes and meditation had helped form her into the calm, deadly presence she had become on a battlefield. Combine that with her new devastating charge technique to take out the training mechs and dummies, she had become quite the formidable opponent.
Saorise stopped in the middle of the parade ground, her hands resting on her knees as she gulped in deep breaths. Sweat glistened on her pale, freckled skin and her hair clung to her forehead in wisps. Saorise straightened and rolled her shoulders. Her run in the cool night air had done little to quell the desire that had taken up residence. Knowing that merely trying to run herself into exhaustion was never enough to dispel the passion Taryn stirred, Saorise fell into the familiar patterns of the kata. She let the graceful, slow, precise strikes clear her mind until there was nothing but the perfection of her practiced movements. Almost as though she was dancing, Saorise moved through the kata, forcing her mind to stillness as she strived for perfection.
Taryn had followed Saorise out to the parade ground, watching from the shadows as Saorise stripped out of her shirt and begun running at a punishing pace around the perimeter. The faint flush on her sweat glistened skin was oddly arousing and Taryn felt her breath catch in her throat. She did not want to linger too long, knowing that Saorise was borderline paranoid and as such had far more spatial awareness than anyone she had ever met. Despite the risk of being caught, she could not look away as Saorise stopped in the middle of the parade ground to catch her breath.
Saorise felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end and she kept her movements smooth and fluid as she stretched her awareness out. It was a skill she had honed, she would focus on the natural sounds closest to her, the cadence of her quickened heartbeat and breath, the whisper of her clothes. Then she would extend that focus, the wind whistling between the buildings and the trees and the distant sound of revelry coming from the auditorium. It all was perfectly natural, but the feeling of being watched was something she could not shake.
Saorise's movements lost some of their gracefulness and fluidity as she focused on her surroundings, focusing her attention in a grid pattern to discern where the feeling of being watched came from. Her eyes moved about in her current field of vision, quickly discounting anything in that direction. The crunch of a booted foot on the edge of the parade field caused Saorise's body to tense. Still, she gave no sign that she was aware of her intruder.
The grass was slightly damp as the air was not quite cool enough to cause a frost. Saorise lost track of the footsteps, but was still able to follow the movements of her watcher as she focused on the rustle of clothing that was becoming increasingly louder. Saorise could almost feel the unknown hand reach out to touch her tense shoulder. Saorise's biotics flared a split second before she pivoted, her biotics adding speed to her movements. Her own extended forearm blocked the reaching hand, and using her momentum, pushed her attacker to the ground as she stepped into their body. Saorise followed the muscled, male body to the ground, pinning him with the aid of her biotics.
Taryn noticed someone crossing silently across the parade ground towards Saorise. She took a step forward, feeling a sense of malice in the quick, predatory movements but stifled her warning as she noticed an almost imperceptible change in Saorise's movements. What had been fluid and graceful took on a sharpness and Taryn knew that Saorise was aware of the other person. Taryn's eyes quickly scanned the parade ground and she sighted a small group of men across from her watching what she could only assume to be their friend, cross towards Saorise.
Though Saorise did not actively accumulate enemies, and females had been serving on the front lines for over a century, the Alliance still attracted their fair share of chauvinists. Saorise, by her very nature, was a challenge to their masculinity, but her prowess in battle further emasculated them in their eyes. Though no direct attacks had been forthcoming, Saorise had diffused many situations in the mess hall that could have evolved into a brawl. Taryn and Saorise had both come to the aid of some of the younger cadets when confronted with the brutish masochism that some of their colleagues were capable of.
Taryn curled back around behind the building she was using as cover and circled around to where the men were watching their friend advance. She knew that Saorise would be more than capable of disabling her lone attacker, but did not want to risk any harm coming to her from his friends. She somehow knew they would not be content with watching on the sidelines when she had disposed of their leader so effortlessly. Taryn neared the edge of the building and she dashed across the small open area before taking cover behind a skip bin. She could hear their drunken encouragement as their friend reached out to grab Saorise's shoulder.
Taryn watched with appreciation as Saorise pivoted into the attack with a speed that could only come from her considerable biotics. One hand deflected the muscled, reaching arm, while her other arm gripped his neck and used her own momentum to flip him into the ground. Saorise's biotics held him pinned and Saorise could tell by the wide eyes that he had no idea how he had ended up in such a vulnerable position. Saorise did not let up her attacker; she could feel the tension in his muscles that proved he would take the chance to jump her the second she let up her hold.
Saorise looked up as she heard a belligerent cry from the direction of the outbuildings and her nerve endings came alight as blue fire swirled around her whole body. The five friends of her pinned attacker charged across the parade ground with an angry, intoxicated shout. Saorise knew that she would not be able to take on all six singlehandedly, not without causing them severe, and maybe permanent, damage. There was no way to call for help, her OmniTool was with the rest of her things at the edge of the parade ground. I've made it until now without getting into open combat. The last thing I need is to be thrown in the brig for getting into a brawl, not when I've actually got plans for my shore leave, she thought to herself as she backed away from her captive and dropped into a combat stance.
Saorise focused on her six attackers, balancing on the balls of her feet as they looked to each other before fanning out, hoping to surround her. "Six against one, really boys, surely you know that this isn't going to end well for you", Saorise tried to reason, her voice cool and calm despite the near panic in her mind. Oddly enough, the panic was not due to being in a fight, nor for what the six men would do to her should she fail; but was purely because, no matter the outcome, she would miss her shore leave with Taryn.
Saorise caught movement behind the aggressors but was careful not to betray Taryn as she advanced towards them. A malicious laugh brought Saorise's attention back to the man she had pinned. "Come on now baby, don't be like that. You know that you can't possibly hold out on all of us", he sneered as he grabbed between his legs; "you know you want this."
Saorise had to fight down the bile that rose to her throat at the display and the words, and despite her best efforts, the disgust was written clear over her face. Saorise's voice was dangerously low, "I suggest again, Corporal", she began, stressing his lower rank; "that you turn away now before you do something you regret."
With the ribald comments from his cronies to bolster his confidence, the Corporal laughed, "oh come on now honey, you know you might as well stop and enjoy this. There's no reason we can't all have a little fun." The Corporal's friends all elbowed each other and laughed, no doubt at what their ideas of fun were.
Saorise resigned herself to the fight that was going to ensue, and her eyes drifted to Taryn, pleading her with her striking green eyes to call for help. Taryn gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head and tapped a few buttons on her OmniTool, summoning for help and also recording what was about to happen. There was no way she would let Saorise get in any trouble over this attack, not when she had done everything in her power to keep it from coming to blows.
As though the thugs could see Saorise's resignation, they smiled in unison and slowly closed the distance between them. Saorise's eyes were very clear, "stay back", and Taryn knew that to record what happened, she could not be involved. It went against every fibre of her being to watch her friend stand off against six drunken men, determined to steal her virtues; but she held her ground.
The only positive that Saorise could see in her current situation was that the brutes were still blissfully unaware of Taryn's presence behind them. Saorise was certain that Taryn would stay back until things got too out of hand, but if Saorise began to struggle to hold her own; then Taryn would not hesitate to jump into the fray. Saorise just hoped that it would not come to that.
Saorise's concentration was brought jarringly back to the thugs as she found herself tackled from behind. She must have been more distracted by her inner musings, and by ensuring Taryn was not joining in, to notice being completely surrounded. Saorise shifted her weight at the last second, barely managing to keep her feet and throwing one of the thugs over her shoulder; his forward momentum being the only thing that saved her as the rest of the brutes charged her.
Saorise was able to fend off their drunken attacks at first. Her attackers lacked skill, speed, and were not coordinating their attacks and Saorise began to see a glimmer of hope of holding out until the MP's arrived. Saorise had not counted on them not being as drunk as they seemed. When their initial attacks failed, but they were left unharmed, they grew bolder. It was clear by Saorise's defensive tactics that she was not trying to injure or maim them, and that gave them the distinct advantage.
Saorise was blindsided by a right hook that sent searing pain through her face, snapping her head sharply to the side and she staggered a few steps but quickly recovered, giving herself room as she knew the attacks would not let up. She could feel the bones shifting painfully in her cheek and the white hot pain gave her the resolve she needed. If she wanted to survive, she could not fight them with kid gloves any longer. When the next attack came, Saorise was simply not there anymore. Her speed aided by biotics, Saorise weaved around the punch, catching her attacker's arm and driving him down onto her knee twice. The brute let out a loud howl of pain as Saorise felt his ribs give way under the force of her blow. She left him in a heap on the grass and turned to face the next attack.
Saorise was constantly in motion, knowing that the second she stopped moving, they would be on her. She was having enough trouble keeping the five remaining thugs in her field of vision and parrying their attacks. Her eyes flicked to Taryn's hoping that her friend would have some encouragement as to the arrival of the MP's, but her friend's face showed only concern and fear. Saorise tried her best to give Taryn a confident smile, but Taryn's widened eyes and scream of warning came too late as all the thugs tackled her at once.
Saorise hit the ground hard, her breath expelled with the pressure and she saw stars as her head hit the grass. She curled into a ball as best she could, protecting her face and her body as they began to try and pry her apart, needing better access to the parts of her they wanted. They quickly gave up when their attempts to pry her limbs apart failed, and instead began a series of punishing punches to her back, ribs and thighs.
Pain blossomed wherever their blows landed, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of crying out. Gritting her teeth, she summoned her biotics, pushing the powerful wave of energy away from her body with as much force as she could muster. The reprieve from the relentless blows was immediate, but her breath was much slower to come back to her, and the stars lingered even longer. Saorise knew that she needed to prepare for the next attack, but her body would not obey her commands. Every part of her was aching dully, and she could tell by the fog in her brain that they had landed a couple of good head shots.
Saorise felt someone reaching for her called her biotics, summoning a weak field around her hands to try and push away the grasping hands. "Shepard, it's me. It's okay. It's over". Taryn's voice had never sounded sweeter. "Where. Are. They?" Saorise asked through gritted teeth, her broken cheek hurt with the movement, but self-preservation was more important than the pain she was in.
Taryn's cool hand was comforting as it efficiently assessed her wounds and Saorise could not help but wince in pain as Taryn's probing fingers encountered a particularly sore spot. "Laid out for the MP's. They arrived just as you blasted them. They're being sent to the brig and a medic is on their way to look after you." Saorise's pride took over her discomfort and she uncurled her wounded body. She met Taryn's eyes and she whispered, "Help me up; I do not want them to think they have won." Taryn narrowed her eyes, but she understood the need for Saorise to assert herself after the fight.
Taryn gave a curt nod and helped Saorise to her feet, throwing one arm over her shoulders and giving Saorise the support of her body. Saorise leaned heavily on her at first, getting her bearings but her determination took over and Saorise stood as tall as she could, completely under her own steam. Though she swayed a little, Taryn's steadying hand on her elbow was enough to keep her from sinking to the damp grass.
The Military Police had dragged the six servicemen to their knees and had their hands bound behind them with restraints. They stepped aside as Saorise rose to her feet, giving the six battered men a clear view of the officer standing tall after their assault. "Ma'am, we will just get these boys to the brig. Once you've been given the all clear by the medic, you can give your statement." Saorise stood to attention as best she could, seeing the Lieutenant Commander shoulder bars. "Sir, yes sir". The Lieutenant Commander looked surprised at her display of military decorum after the battering she had taken, but quickly schooled his features. "At ease, Marine." His eyes shifted to Taryn's, "maybe you could wait for the medic at the bleachers, might be more comfortable. I'll send someone to keep watch until the marine has been medically cleared."
Saorise waited until the MP's had dragged away their prisoners, all of which were now ominously silent as they glared at Saorise. Once they were out of sight, she sagged heavily against Taryn and the shorter woman half dragged, half walked Saorise over to the bleachers and into one of the seats. Saorise gasped in pain as her ribs protested the movement and she took a moment to collect herself, breathing deeply and gathering the pain within herself and then mentally pushing it away.
When Saorise next opened her eyes, she saw the medic crouching down in front of her, opening up his bag. "The MP's briefed me on the way. From what they said, you're mobile, so let's get you to the infirmary and we can take proper stock of your injuries." Saorise suppressed a groan of pain. She had only just sat down and now she needed to wrench her aching body off the bleachers and the Gods only knew how far to the infirmary. "Maybe I can be of assistance?"
Taryn whirled around at the soft, lilting voice behind her, registering that her translator chip had kicked in. Saorise's eyes widened as T'Mari's pale blue features stepped into the light and she tried to stand up, giving her mentor the respect she had earned. "Easy child, you've had quite enough for one day." T'Mari's facial tattoos looked almost black in the darkness, and Saorise couldn't help but think that they added to the commanding presence the asari possessed.
T'Mari clenched her fist and wisps of blue ether gathered around her momentarily before flowing towards Saorise. It was something they had worked on from time to time, but Taryn had never been privy to their private training sessions. Saorise relaxed into the swirling blue ether that surrounded her, letting it envelop her and then, with the summoning of T'Mari's will, lifted her off the bench and propelled her towards the infirmary.
Taryn's eyes opened in shock. She had only ever seen her biotics as a tool for combat. Never had she dreamed that the power she commanded could be used in such a subtle, gentle fashion. "It is trust that you require for this task, Lieutenant." T'Mari's unconsciously seductive voice intruded on Taryn's thoughts. "It is not only my biotics that allow this, but a combination of both, so that the burden of energy is not on one individual. To achieve this, one must succumb to the will of the Goddess. It is only with that clarity of mind, that one's biotics are in a truly submissive state, allowing them to be manipulated and drawn from an outside source."
Taryn nodded her understanding, but she couldn't keep the hint of jealousy souring her tone, "and you have this trust with 2nd Lieutenant Shepard?" T'Mari's lips curled up in amusement as they continued to make their slow way to the infirmary.
"I do, Shepard and I have spent a great deal of time in each other's company, exploring the limit of her biotic powers. As demonstrated here, her trust in me is implicit."
Taryn's eyes narrowed, and in her jealousy, she was oblivious to T'Mari's snort of amusement at her curt words. "I see."
The co-operative biotic stasis bubble that Saorise was enveloped in soothed much of the minor aches. There was something comforting in the ebb and flow of her biotics. Her light meditative state also helped to calm her racing body and mind, the very exercise that she was engaged in requiring her to be open and passive. Though she had a naturally commanding presence, she was not domineering. She knew when to be passive, and even submissive on occasion; and she willingly surrendered to the familiar feel of T'Mari's biotic energy as it carried her to the infirmary and onto one of the examination tables.
Saorise sighed regretfully as T'Mari's biotics retreated and Saorise found herself brought harshly back from her meditations by the searing pain in her body. She looked around to see an amused smirk on T'Mari's face that was in direct contrast to the near open hostility directed towards the asari that was emanating from Taryn. Before she could ask what had transpired, the medic began his examination and the pain drove all further thoughts of investigation from Saorise's mind.