Reclamation: Genesis

by DragonsManticoresAndGiantsOhMy

Massively AU. Halo/Mass Effect merged continuity. The galaxy, like much of the universe, is in a constant cycle of birth, destruction and rebirth. No guarantee our civilization is any different. We know others have come before us and perished at their height. What destroyed them? Could it destroy us as well? One human might be our savior, but he needs to grow up a bit first.

36. Dark Energy, Darker Matter

Disclaimer: This fanfic is massively AU, combining elements of Mass Effect and Halo together as one with my own interpretation and additions. Being that it will be character driven with an emphasis on world building I'll try my best to have unique or entertaining takes on things. I can not stress enough that if you're easily upset that events, technologies, and characters do not strictly follow canon sources then this fic will not be for you.

Additionally I must emphasize that this fic is based upon two fictional franchises that follow the science fiction tradition of observing the actual laws of physics, biological sciences, and other aspects of reality very loosely when it serves them. Again I'll do my best to reconcile the two continuities but unless you're willing to accept that there is more priority paid to entertaining speculative fiction than actual scientific theory in the science fiction genre and that 'space magic' happens because it's fun to imagine or moves the plot along... then you're not going to be happy with this fic.

I say this as a warning because I will be having fun playing with futuristic technologies that verge on 'space magic' and their impact on how the galaxy functions. Some are meant to be impediments and barriers to what is possible in the AU setting I am creating while others are for personal preference of what I want to happen or just plain old hand waving convenience of not wanting to bother with the details. So to save us both time let's agree up front that this is an amateur work of highly dubious quality and avoid reviews or PMs giving me grief over the feasibility or practicality of a particular fictional technology or science, okay?

Warning: This story contains scenes of graphic violence, explicit sexual nature, discussion of mature themes/topics, and plenty of coarse language.

I warn as a service to those of you who might find this content offensive or disturbing. It is my aim to make a character driven fic as honest and real as possible when it comes to personal interactions, character growth, and social observations. If it were an option to select a higher rating than M then I would.

Author's Notes: This chapter marks the conclusion of the Amaterasu story arc and it's quite the beast. I contemplated chopping it up into two chapters, but after having drawn this out it felt wrong to do so. Despite the size I feel good about the pacing and tying up the Amaterasu trip as well as inserting new clues and threads that will relate to future story arcs and plots.

After this it's the home stretch and a sequence of events that will shape the course of young Shepard's life forever.

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Besshou Exhibit Hall, Amaterasu Colonial Museum of Art, Bunka District, Ward 16, Greater Amano Iwato Metro, Dokutsu Province, Southern Ninigi, Amaterasu, Izanagi System, Arcturus Stream Star Cluster; June 13th, 2573 [Standardized Terran Calendar], 2211 [Local Time, Terran Standard]

Blinking confusedly at Klara I realized her gaze – and comment – wasn't directed at me. Instead her narrowed and furious gaze was focused at the next table where a female turian adorned with white facial tattoos and a maroon sheath dress with gold accents was unnervingly staring at us with the creepiest gaze I'd ever seen.

Or more specifically, staring at me with the creepiest gaze I'd ever seen.

Really? The creepiest?

Well normally the phrase 'looking like she wanted to devour me' is not meant to be literal.

Her friend – another turian female with blue facial tattoos and wearing an elegantly embroidered marigold tunic with matching slacks – looked distressed and flustered, her mandibles twitching as she rushed to apologize in rather fluent English tinged with the melodic tones of a turian accent, "You'll have to forgive my friend here. She's had a bit too much to drink and her human fetish is showing."

Looking at the more sober – and less creepy – of the pair I hesitantly repeated, "Human fetish?"

She laughed at my apprehension – a subtly high pitched flanged sound – and waved off any concern I might have, "Oh don't worry. She's really harmless."

Giving her friend a sidelong glance I frowned skeptically. Somehow I doubt that.

Annoyed at her friend's insistence the drunken turian glared and growled with a slight slur in the turian language that my translation software quickly transmitted to my earpiece, "[\ I'm not drunk and I do not have a human fetish. Not like that. \]"

Exasperated by what seemed to be an ongoing argument between the two the sober turian sighed and snarked back, "[\ It's exactly like that. Or was your fling with that human male just my imagination? \]"

"[\ What's wrong with liking humans? They're not big stupid animals like jiralhanae. \]" Came the whining sounding reply, but her golden eyes betrayed hint of a challenge fueled by alcohol.

Irritated at the manner of their discussion Klara withdrew from our embrace to stand hands on hips and barked, "Hey! You're on a human planet. If you're going to talk about us like we're not even here at least have the common courtesy to do it in a language we can understand without translation software."

Lovely temper she's got there.

I cringed and gaped at Klara, lamenting with hindsight the idea of fueling her with a potent mixed drink.

So we're pretending that one drink turns her into a xenophobe?

Unsettled by the implications of her instinctive reaction to turians I watched carefully as a flicker of anxiousness crossed her face, an indication she recognized her mistake but like the stubbornly proud woman I knew her to be she committed to her actions and kept a defiant posture.

Well a goddess is prone to be temperamental and stubborn.

Grunting humorlessly I glanced at both turians and found them eyeing her balefully, their recessed eyes eerily luminescent in the low light setting. The more sober of the pair nodded stiffly and apologized, speaking accented but fluent English once more, "You're right. It was rude of us to switch back and forth in a conversation. I'd blame the alcohol except the bar ran out of dextro based drinks about an hour ago."

Deflating a bit Klara returned the nod with relief and smiled weakly at her humor.

"That's not true. They still have Vanthian Cider." The drunken turian grumbled in a less polished and refined use of human language. Sighing loudly with vexation and sullen disappointment she continued, "Too bad Vanthian Cider tastes like prokatta droppings fermented in pyjack urine."

At her description I nearly choked mid swig of my jovian lemonade, coughing loudly as Klara roughly patted and rubbed my back.

Well that's certainly descriptive.

Sparing me a concerned glance the sober turian commiserated with her friend by nodding and gazing at the bar scornfully, "You'd think that if they were going to invite turians they would have had the foresight to stock up accordingly."

Hoping to ease the tensions with jokes and small talk I cleared my throat and smiled wryly, "If they ran out of drinks why stick around? It can't be for the stimulating conversation."

Rather than be amused she turned her contemptuous gaze to me and sarcastically responded, "Like the rest of this city is going to be much better meeting dextro needs? During Foundation Week?"

Ouch. Now there's a harsh dose of reality.

Yeah, no shit. Now I felt like a hypocrite after having castigated people for their oblivious bigotry towards biotics.

Echoing that sentiment her drunken friend eyed Klara with disdain and waspishly added, "We'd rather not deal with drunken xenophobes more than necessary."

Klara bristled at the insinuation but recognizing her temper was frayed I smoothly kept the conversation going, "If you're that worried about it then why accept the invitation to attend this gala? Seems rather counterproductive."

Seemingly amused by my questions the sober turian regarded me with a scrutinizing emerald gaze before her jaw and mandibles flexed in the approximation of a turian smile. "Because you never decline a gesture of goodwill in turian culture. Our leadership is still under obligation to mingle and discuss matters with the host party but all of us mid tier workers are free to leave. So it's either hang out here or head back to Hospitus."

Adding to the discussion in a petulant tone the drunken turian whined, "And it's so boring there."

Regarding the drunken turian skeptically Klara scoffed, "You must not get out often if you think this is fun."

Better get a handle on your girlfriend before she starts an interspecies incident.

Glancing warily between the two I debated if intervening would make things worse.

More like you're worried Klara's temper will be directed at you and you'll be cut off from having sex tonight.

I'm not even going to bother denying that.

Unaffected by her tone the drunken turian waved off her comment and bitterly replied, "Better than sitting around in a small research settlement with nothing to do but work."

Watching the two interact the sober turian decided to answer the question with more clarity, "It's been rather refreshing to observe you humans show some unity instead of always bickering."

Taken aback by the turian's observation I stared quizzically and wondered if she had attended the same event that we had.

Raising an incredulous eyebrow Klara folded her arms and jutted out her hip, sardonically pointing out, "Clearly you haven't been engaging in many conversations tonight."

Barking out a laugh at my girlfriend's dry wit I chimed in with a bit of my own humorous opinion, "Yeah, in case you hadn't noticed bickering is sort of what we humans do best."

Tilting her head in recognition of our assessments the sober turian amenably agreed, "That didn't escape our notice but it's not all that different than how things are done in the Hierarchy. If you really want to see bickering I suggest you watch some historical vids on dalatrasses and matriarchs getting into arguments over galactic policy at interspecies summits."

Finding common ground in the ridicule of asari and salarians we all shared a laugh but I focused on something peculiar in what she said about turians and humans.

Don't like the comparison?

I don't understand it.

Gazing at her curiously I asked, "It's kinda hard to imagine turians having internal problems like us. I've always figured you guys were unified and loyal to your government and species."

"We're still individuals that have significant differences in opinions on how things should be done. The real distinction between our species is that we hold steadfast in our cultural commitment to unity and order through things like compulsory civil and military service." The sober turian adroitly retorted in a way that sounded far too practiced to be an honest and unfiltered opinion.

What are the odds that she's a bureaucrat for the turian settlement?

Pretty high given the way she's been subtly steering the conversation.

Peering at the two turians I contemplated their true intentions for attending this gala. If the turians saw this as an obligation then they would make sure that the delegation attending were well versed in interacting with humans.

Which would explain the fluency in human languages.

It also explains their reasoning for not leaving once they were no longer required to stay. If the drunk turian didn't want to return to their settlement then her sober friend must be ensuring she didn't do anything to embarrass the Hierarchy.

An awkward pause followed her statement as both the sober turian and I silently evaluated each other. Eventually Klara buckled under the pressure and grabbed my arm possessively to declare, "Oh well Luis here is a Marine."

What the hell? Where did that come from?

Well the turian did mention compulsory military service.

Great so now I'm going to be judged by two xenos for being in the UNSC?

Scared?

Concerned. It's been nearly a hundred years since the First Contact War and we might be on better terms with turians now but I've heard plenty of stories from fellow Marines about the rivalry involved in joint species training exercises or missions. The tales I'd heard about being on deployment for a CDEM rotation under the command of Hierarchy forces was enough to make me dread the assignment, and that's before factoring in their absurd operational tempo.

Carefully observing the two turians I tried my best to gauge their reactions without betraying too much apprehension. They seemed just as surprised and curious, giving me appraising glances before nodding approvingly.

Well that wasn't so bad.

It makes sense that they would have respect for a human who volunteers for military service.

The drunken turian in particular gave me what I could only assume were the turian equivalents of a suggestive leer and flirty purr filtered through a liter or two of horosk that left her golden eyes glassy. "That certainly explains why you're so cute."

Make that a very healthy respect for a human who volunteers for military service.

Chagrined at her flirting I uttered in bewilderment, "Thanks. I think."

Klara's reaction wasn't so pleasant. Her gaze narrowed into a heated glare and she tightened her grip on my arm until it was almost painful.

This is not how I imagined her nails digging into my flesh tonight.

Misinterpreting my wince as discomfort her friend was causing me the sober turian snickered and decided to save us all with a formal introduction, "UNSC? Well met. I'm Velthuria."

Grateful for the distraction I nodded back in recognition and withdrew my arm from Klara's grasp to gesture to myself and her, "Thanks. I'm Luis and this is my girlfriend Klara."

Still awkward because of their previous exchanges Klara could only nod stiffly and smile tightly, "Pleasure to meet you."

Tilting her head in gesture of respect at our introduction Velthuria glanced at her friend before rolling her emerald eyes and motioning with a careless wave, "And you've met Stenia here."

And continuing her obliviousness to everything Stenia waggled her talons at me and grinned widely with splayed mandibles, "So very pleased to have made your acquaintance."

Wish I could say the same.

Do you really?

No.

On a positive note you now know that turians lacking subtlety extends to making sexual advances.

Yeah that's right there near the top of things I'd be content to have lived my entire life not knowing.

Dismissing Stenia with a roll of her eyes and unamused grunt Klara turned to address Velthuria, "So you really think humans and turians are that similar?"

Velthuria gazed at Klara shrewdly before answering with her rehearsed ease, "More so than the other races. The asari have their cultural beliefs in asari excellence and preeminence which makes them patronizing and arrogant at times. The salarians are typically more concerned with the schemes of their clan systems. That leaves the hanar with their intertwined views on religion, society, and governance."

That wasn't too far off from what I understood of the different races but I noticed she had only mentioned the most prominent species. "What about the other races? Or do they not count?"

Unperturbed by the insinuation in my question Velthuria shrugged and explained her perspective, "They do but their impact is negligible. The elcor are isolationists that follow the asari lead. The drell pretty much agree with anything the hanar do. And the volus only care about credits."

Frowning in thought I noted that her depiction of the volus was rather peculiar given the close ties turians had with the race.

She also didn't bother to mention the batarians.

As well as any other race that wasn't part of the Charter, but yeah, that was suspicious. No matter how you felt about the batarians it would be stupid to not recognize the considerable impact they had on the galaxy. Their economy alone is what kept the Terminus thriving.

Klara noted the peculiarities as well, goggling at her remark and asking with disbelief, "But doesn't your species have an alliance with the volus? How can you say they're negligible?"

Velthuria cocked her head to the side and grinned at our skepticism, her mandibles twitching. "Our relationship with the volus is about being mutually beneficial. We provide them with military protection and act on their behalf in the Council, and in return they give us preferential treatment in trade and financial matters."

Again that sounded too polished and practiced to be an honest response so I pressed her for clarification, "And the rest of the Council doesn't mind? Seems to me that they'd have a rather strong opinion about that sort of partnership."

Rather than be insulted Velthuria laughed humorlessly at the idea of caring what the Council thought, "They're in no position to complain. The asari and salarians didn't exactly endear themselves to the volus by blocking them from joining the Council for centuries. When our military was tasked with defending volus space during the Krogan Rebellions it was a simple arrangement to make it a permanent relationship in exchange for their economic support. That puts us on a level playing field with the more established asari and salarians when you factor in the Council's reliance upon our military for security."

That's...

Impressive?

More like disconcerting. I'm not sure I'm ready for a galaxy in which the turians are just as manipulative as the asari or salarians.

Looks like you're already in it, snowflake.

Nonplussed by her interpretation of galactic politics I shook my head and conceded, "Here I thought the asari and salarians were the masters but it sounds like your race is more cunning and opportunistic than I would have ever given them credit for."

"That's not all we're good at." Stenia interjected with her inebriated relentlessness and a coquettish tilt of her head that had her leaning dangerously to the side. Having anticipated her friend's troubles Velthuria intervened with a gentle but firm shove that kept Stenia upright and blinking owlishly at what just happened.

Giving her friend a worried glance to make sure she was okay Velthuria then shook her head and addressed my comment, "It's a common misconception about turians. People think because we're meritocratic and disciplined that we're incapable of being clever schemers or recognizing political subterfuge. If that were the case the asari and salarians would have outwitted and manipulated us ages ago."

Huh. Well that makes sense now that I think about it.

She's still guiding the conversation.

I'm aware of that, but what she's saying isn't necessarily wrong so much as a turian perspective.

A very revised and slanted perspective.

Frowning suspiciously at the turians Klara regarded the pair before asking, "And what do you think of humans?"

Velthuria eyed my girlfriend silently for a moment, no doubt attempting to assess the intent behind her question. Sparing a glance at me to she seemed to come to a decision and for once didn't speak in give a trained response, instead being brutally honest in her assessment despite the risk she figured it might come with. "You're rather impatient, volatile, and at times reckless, but that's to be expected of such a young species."

She should have stuck to rehearsed talking points.

The saddest part is I'm fairly certain that was meant to be diplomatic, for all the good it did.

Nothing really brings people together quite like condescension.

Both Klara and I visibly bristled at the unflattering description, but a streak of self-awareness had me quickly realize that much like the earlier argument over biotics a defensive or hostile reaction would prove her point better than any argument she could make.

Good. You're learning to think before you act.

Taking a deep and calming measure of breath just as I had learned in my biotic training to focus myself I analyzed Velthuria's statement as dispassionately as possible.

One of the hallmarks of galactic culture – and individual xeno races – that was readily apparent to humans was a tendency to avoid change unless forced to contend with a history altering situation.

Ask a hundred different people and you would get a hundred different answers. Some believed it was the more an advanced interstellar civilization grew in size and scope the more it resisted change and risk in favor of preserving stability and structure. Others believed it was a coincidental outcome to balancing the many unique social traits of the advanced species in question. I'd even heard arguments that it was a byproduct of galactic reliance upon technology and infrastructure left behind by a previous civilization that stunted innovation and encouraged advancement and expansion in predetermined patterns.

Whatever the reason the end result was easy to see.

Galactic civilization hadn't really advanced much beyond what was necessary to keep the status quo going. Racial governments and economic structures hadn't changed in thousands of years. It had been over a millennium since there had been a new race added to the Council. And because of the threat posed by the rachni and Covenant the Charter races had long since shied away from exploration and colonization.

Speaking of the Covenant even they seemed largely content to stay within their uncharted sections of the galaxy and practice their rabid doomsday religion.

Compared to that it was understandable – although certainly not appreciated – why the other races would view humans in those terms. Impatient. Volatile. Reckless. Young.

In fact when you really thought about it the only outliers to this galactic trend were humans – and batarians.

Now there's a really unflattering comparison.

And unsettling. But if it was unsettling as a human to be compared to batarians, how did it make the other races feel knowing we shared similarities to the batarians?

Probably really uneasy.

Coming to the conclusion that I wanted further clarification before I began trying to formulate an argument I cleared my throat and asked, "A young species? You know that's not the first time I've heard that before. I get that it's not exactly an insult but it's not a compliment either. So you mind explaining what you xenos mean when you say we're young?"

Velthuria tilted her head in curious appraisal, not quite expecting my response. Had she been testing me and Klara to see how we responded to what she saw as a harsh truth about humans?

Moderating her voice to be as calming as possible she then explained, "It's an honest observation. Most other races had longer periods to develop culturally and politically prior to interstellar expansion. To unify their civilization or at least curb some of their worst impulses. And galactic history is littered with examples of why it's dangerous when a species lacks those traits."

Quick to understand what she was implying I summarized with a low and irritated tone to my voice, "So you think that our worst impulses are still unchecked?"

To her credit Velthuria recognized that she might be treading on dangerous ground and remained stoically unfazed and diplomatic,"Your species is aggressive and fearless. That can be viewed as a positive and a negative. You've reached the galactic level of development quicker than any other species which is a remarkable achievement but you've yet to address your systemic problems. We actually went through something similar to your insurrection wars during the early era of our interstellar colonization. It changed us for the better by forcing us into unification."

The more she spoke the more it sounded like she was finding fault with humans for not being more like turians, and turians didn't exactly have a stellar track record.

"I might be fuzzy about remembering the details but didn't your Unification War involve high civilian body counts as a punitive strategy for colonies that failed to capitulate to the governments on Palaven?" I asked sarcastically asked with a deadpan expression.

Her eyes narrowed into emerald slits she was swift to defend her views, "And if we hadn't taken those measures we would have not been in a position to have an immediate impact on the Krogan Rebellions. It's just as important to note that conflict was the culmination of centuries of reckless decisions. The salarians chose to activate mass relays without consideration for what might be waiting on the other end. When they unleashed the rachni they compounded their mistakes by uplifting the krogan to combat them. And finally colonial expansion into the Terminus encroached upon Covenant territory resulting in the glassing of Korlus. The resulting strain on krogan society preceded the schisms and breakdowns that led to the rebellions."

Quite the history lesson there.

Yeah, what's the point? Did she think we were going to do something similarly stupid?

Composing herself with a deep breath she continued, "The rest of the galaxy can't figure out if you've been lucky so far or if there's something we're missing about your species, although I can tell you most would assume it's the former. But that doesn't change the fact your species has had conspicuous success in a relatively short period of time, including an impressive record of forcing stalemates against vastly superior foes."

Interjecting herself into the conversation once more Stenia bobbed her head in agreement and spoke with disbelief, "Do you realize how many praefecti were baffled and envious of the outcome on Harvest? We expected your forces to be slaughtered and wiped out by the Covenant."

Now there's a vote of confidence.

"From a human perspective we had no choice. The Council wasn't going to help and Harvest was an important colony in the same cluster as our homeworld. It was either fight or live in fear that the Covenant could come for another colony or even Earth." I laced my retort with irritation at the way they cavalierly discussed topics that were at the heart of human distrust and antipathy towards the Citadel Council and Charter.

Sharing my annoyance Klara sneered and sardonically challenged, "Why were they so shocked? Didn't they remember history? You know the part where your kind attacked one of our colonies and we held our own until a truce was brokered?"

Well she took it there.

The two turians leveled heated glares at Klara for the reminder of humanity's counteroffensive during the First Contact War that stunned turian forces and forced the Council to intervene once UNSC warships located the D'yseshi Inner Downspin Slipstream Transit Lane.

Giving Klara a stiff nod Velthuria abandoned all pretense of being diplomatic and cordial, "That's not quite how turians recall that conflict starting but fair enough. Can you then understand that from the perspective of other races those sort of actions gives the impression your species represents change to the galaxy? How long will you accept not having a voice on the Council? When will your next insurrection war happen? Will you continue your aggressive colonization in the Skyllian Verge? What happens when you're capable of doing more than forcing stalemates? If faced with another confrontation with the Covenant will you strike back in a way that triggers a galactic war that drags the rest of us in?"

While I could certainly understand why she and any other xenos might have those questions about humanity I was quick to notice her worries were secondary to keeping the status quo.

The line about not having a voice on the Council is a dead giveaway.

As are her concerns about the Skyllian Verge. We were given the rights to that territory and parts of the downspin Traverse to colonize by the Council despite the batarians having a centuries long tenuous claim to the territory. All you had to do was look at the current state of the outer colonies to realize the Council's intentions with this 'gift'.

If the Council views humans as being as volatile and dangerous as batarians then why not pit us against one another?

They knew our expansion into these areas would result in tying up our economy in colonization and focusing our attention internally on fighting a new wave of insurrection while simultaneously defending our expanded borders against pirates and batarians.

Distract humanity and stretch it's forces thin with increased responsibilities and external threats until we were compelled to stabilize or they figured out what to do with us.

And the Council probably viewed Harvest as a moment to teach us a lesson about the dangers of the galaxy. Then it backfired when we won the war and put the galaxy on notice.

A pyrrhic victory after the Covenant lost interest hardly counts as 'winning'.

It counts enough to prove a point that the other races were not expecting that outcome. I'd almost be impressed with the Council's strategy to humble and neutralize humanity if it hadn't resulted in my homeworld being raided and my parents being killed.

Folding my arms and standing at my full height I glowered and cut through her bullshit, "From what I can tell it seems that the Council is willing to take that gamble with us because our economy is a welcome addition specifically because of the amount of growth and expansion we have going on. Something tells me the Council anticipated this outcome since they're the ones who gave us the rights over those parts of the galaxy in the first place. Of course I'm sure it doesn't hurt we're the second largest military in the Charter that took the Covenant the full distance and are providing a downspin bulwark against potential incursions from the Hegemony and Terminus into Charter Space."

Thwarted into admitting her position was largely irrelevant Velthuria had no choice but begrudgingly concede, "That all might be true, but only time will tell if your species has learned from these experiences or not."

And we all know how turians prefer to deal with problems.

Infuriated by the darker implications of her warning I darkly asked, "Or what? Quarantine by CDEM? A genophage for humans?"

"Spirits, no! That was an absolute abomination." Velthuria looked alarmed at my accusation and emphatically shook her head, glancing around nervously at the crowd of humans to see if anyone else had been paying attention to our conversation.

Breaking the awkward and heated tension of the moment Stenia offered, "If you ask me all our petty differences could be solved with the opposite of a genophage. Lots and lots of really great sex."

Not quite sure that's the opposite of a genophage.

You're bothering to critique the drunken ramblings of a horny turian with a human fetish?

Well when you put it like that.

"Stenia I seriously will never understand your obsession with humans. All that fur is just disgusting." Grateful for her friend's drunken levity Velthuria chuckled and shook her head in distaste. Just as quickly she realized how offensive her remarks were so she glanced at Klara and myself to amend her statement, "No offense."

Sure. Let's call one of the defining characteristics of humans disgusting but, hey, no offense, right?

Recognizing the hastily added apology for what it was Klara deliberately adjusted her hair for effect and drawled, "None taken. To be perfectly honest the plates and claws are a real turn off."

Giving both turian women a more close examination I had to agree with my girlfriend's assessment. Turians were just not conventionally attractive, at least not to me.

Sure there were aspects that were absolutely beautiful, like their eyes which came in striking shades and all held a reflective glimmer. There also was a certain willowy grace to their very tall and thin builds. And their flanged voices could be enchantingly melodic in the right context, making them absolutely superb public speakers and singers.

But in the end I could never really get over the lack of easily identifiable feminine traits or the fact turians looked like something I drew as a child after one too many educational vids on dinosaurs.

Artistic expression never was one of your strong points.

Yeah well speaking of art the whole face tattoo thing was really distracting. "And I get that they're a significant cultural thing for turians, but facial tattoos aren't exactly something humans hold in high regard."

That's a rather nice way of saying that it's a public statement that you're batshit crazy.

Or just desperate for attention, but who cares about the underlying reasons since it results in the same outcome? A really fucking horrible decision announced to the entire galaxy.

Yet instead of being insulted Stenia took my remarks as a challenge and responded flirtatiously, "Really? You say that now but once I get you alone... well like the saying goes, once a daughter of Digeris gets her talons in you that your shrieks can be heard out on the rings around Iritum."

That can't be... is she serious?

It would appear so.

What the fuck?

A sidelong glance at Klara revealed she was just as stunned as I was, her beautiful face locked into a look of shocked horror. Giving Stenia a wide-eyed incredulous gaze I asked, "Is that supposed to be a joke?"

Looking perplexed at my response she glanced at Velthuria who had placed her face into the palm of her hand with a low groan of empathetic embarrassment. Undeterred Stenia looked back at me and shrugged, "It's more poetic and sexy in the local turian dialect back home."

There is no way in hell that line works in any language.

"I'm sure." Klara mockingly retorted and shook her head in stunned amazement at the drunken turian.

Stenia scowled at Klara's sarcasm and turned back to me with an earnest expression, "Okay how about once you lick between the plates nothing will ever taste the same again?"

That's just... I can't even... what the hell?

Nope. Nope. No. Nuh uh. Nope.

Gaping in astonishment I could only shake my head but Klara barked out a loud laugh and leaned onto me as a fit of giggles overtook her, leaving Stenia to glower at us both with folded arms, disheartened golden eyes, and a sad pout.

Or at least what I figured was a pout. I never could tell facial expression with turians, but judging by the rest of her body language I must have hurt her feelings.

To be fair she's the one who put herself in this position.

Yeah but all she's guilty of is being a bit too overzealous and drunk.

And weird.

Definitely weird.

Feeling slightly ashamed at cruelly spurning her misguided affection I tried to be consoling, "I'm really flattered and those probably sound great in turian but they do not translate well at all. Sorry."

Still stung by humiliation Stenia didn't answer, choosing instead to shrug petulantly and avoid my gaze.

Well I tried.

Recovered from her exasperation Velthuria sighed at her friend's behavior and asked, "So I take it neither of you are quite so open minded when it comes to xenos?"

Ugh. I know exactly where Klara is going to go with this topic.

You're the one that couldn't come up with a compelling counterargument about asari.

I wouldn't have to if Lizzy hadn't sent her that holo.

Her giggles lessening into an amused snort Klara mulled over the question before giving me a mischievous sidelong glance and grinning widely, "Never been with one and never really considered it. If I did go xeno it would be with a drell. Now they're sexy."

Goggling at my girlfriend's admission I stared at her with a chagrined expression. Since when did she like drell?

Evidently for quite some time.

But why drell? At least I had an excuse with asari since they're nearly identical in body builds to human females.

Nice of you to finally admit that.

Whatever.

"You'd think that until you're making out with one and they cough up a lung into your mouth." Velthuria's facial features scrunched up in displeasure beneath the plating as she shook her head and cringed, apparently reliving that horrifying experience in graphic detail.

And as much as I was grossed out by her anecdote I drew a small measure of satisfaction seeing Klara's face blanch and screw up in nauseated displeasure. Bet she never looks at a drell like he's sexy ever again.

That's petty.

Yes. Yes it is.

Switching to a better topic Velthuria advised with a grin, "If you want complication free mind blowing sex with a xeno then stick to asari. Between the biotics and their extrasensory ability you'll always be satisfied."

Crap. Here we go.

On cue Klara perked up, giving me a sultry grin and waggle of her eyebrows while readily agreeing with the turian for entirely different reasons, "I totally hear you about the biotics."

My face flushed crimson at her insinuation, prompting me to divert my attention towards taking another drink of my jovian lemonade and not thinking about the erotic sensory overload of a writhing and gasping Klara rapidly approaching a biotics induced orgasm.

Misinterpreting Klara's saucy retort and my reaction Velthuria eagerly approached what she saw as common ground and happily proclaimed, "See? Everyone loves an asari."

I groaned in dismay, instantly knowing exactly where this was going.

At her words Klara's grin grew even wider as her eyes twinkled with mischief. Echoing the turian's words with an entirely different emphasis that only we understood she gleefully teased me, "Yeah, Luis. See? Everyone loves an asari."

Rolling my eyes at her expected taunting I checked my chronometer and sardonically noted, "Oh, good. It hasn't even been a full half hour since your double plasma bomb and the bad decisions are already commencing. This bodes well for the rest of our night."

Klara burst into laughter at my dry wit as recognition slowly dawned on Velthuria's face that she hadn't fully understood the private joke that just transpired.

Having been stewing in silence Stenia erupted with a glare at Velthuria and passionately lectured, "See this is why you're such a hypocrite, Vel. You give me grief for liking humans but you'll sleep with just about any other xeno. I'm telling you the fur isn't bad at all. All the colors and textures and styles are fantastic. I just can't help myself from running my talons through it where ever it grows on their bodies."

Okay, while it's definitely not at all uncommon for humans to play with hair – hell I was a fan of doing it myself with Klara's luscious locks and she was just as enthusiastic when I did it – the way this turian was describing the act was just...

Disturbing?

Yeah. Really fucking disturbing.

The pregnant pause that followed her bizarrely honest confession was an moment of awkward astonishment, neither Klara or myself having ever been on the receiving on of such a fetishizing stereotype that made her sound like a sadist who viewed humans as pets or playthings.

Or worse.

Finally breaching the silence Velthuria spoke up with a dry retort, "Like I said, she's got a bit of a human fetish."

That would be an understatement, but why humans?

Staring warily at Stenia I curiously asked, "If you're so into hair – or fur, whatever – why not try a quarian? They're attractive."

Nice job volunteering information.

What? Quarians are kinda cute. There's nothing radical or insane about saying that.

Immediately Klara pounced on my statement with an incredulous gasp and amused shout, jabbing her finger at me accusingly, "I knew it! You're a space elf lover!"

How the hell did she draw that conclusion from me saying they're attractive?

Bewildered by her accusation and the delight she took in it I instinctively defended, "No I'm not. I'm just saying they're both dextros so it might work out better."

That's not what you said.

It was implied!

Sure it was.

Unnoticed by either of us was the looks of disgust and indignation my suggestion garnered from the two turian women. Stenia was the first to respond with a snarled look of revulsion, "I'd rather let a varren chew the mandibles off my face than let a single suit vermin touch me."

Whoa. I was not expecting that sort of response.

"Why bother? Sleep with a quarian and when you wake up your mandibles would be missing along with everything else you own." Velthuria snidely retorted with a roll of her emerald eyes.

What is going on here?

Galen did tell you once that the different races on the Citadel went out of their way to be cruel towards quarians because they viewed them as thieves.

Yeah it's no secret that quarians weren't exactly the most popular or well received race in the galaxy but this level of hatred was entirely unexpected. It's as if these two had some sort of personal grudge driving their behavior.

Stenia tittered drunkenly at her friend's comment and joked, "But all it would take to get your things back is following the sound of the suit vermin coughing and wheezing through their respirator."

Velthuria nodded before adding around her own growing chuckles, "Except the one thing you'd never get back is your dignity."

Both turians laughed raucously at their disparaging banter about quarians, leaving Klara and I dumbfounded at the blatant bigotry towards another race.

Giving them both a skeptical glance I satirically remarked, "So I take it neither of you are big fans of Fleet & Flotilla for purely artistic reasons, right?"

Mentioning the popular musical vid caused both turians to snarl dismissively, with Velthuria voicing their opinion derisively, "That pile of varren shit? Spirits I'll never in the galaxy understand what you humans see in doomed relationships. You do know the actors who played Bellicus and Shalei hated each other throughout the production?"

What the hell did that have to do with anything?

"Yeah but that happens all the time in vids. The cast just doesn't get along for all sorts of reasons. It's not a racial thing, it's an acting thing." Klara countered with a confused and dubious expression, not at all seeing how that was relevant to the discussion.

Nodding my agreement with her assessment I wondered what their point could be. Granted I definitely wasn't a fan of the vid or anything but the story was about two star crossed lovers overcoming cultural obstacles to find love and happiness together. Wasn't that a message anyone could appreciate no matter the species?

Dismissing her argument with a casual wave and scoff Velthuria countered, "It's not an acting thing, it's a turian thing. We have a long and complicated history with the quarians. If I'm going to watch a terrible vid I'd pick Blasto or Last of the Legion."

Hey! What was wrong with Blasto?

What wasn't wrong with Blasto?

Well granted it wasn't Captain Cosmic, but watching the fictional exploits of the first hanar SPECTRE was entertaining.

You really need to broaden your tastes into things that require more than a ten year old's understanding of the galaxy.

"More like a common sense thing. Quarians are filthy little lying thieves. Pity the geth didn't finish them all off." Stenia flippantly making light of the Quarian Genocide with a stunning display of bigotry was as flabbergasting as it was loathsome.

Holy shit.

Well this escalated quickly.

You know the last thing I expected to hear tonight was casual calls for genocide – on two different occasions. Is this what people considered acceptable behavior at a black tie affair?

Come for the free drinks, stay for the stimulating discussion of wishing death upon an entire race?

Interrupting their ranting before they said something else horrible I breathed deeply and checked my chronometer again, making up an excuse as I spoke with feigned cheerfulness, "Okay. Well it's been a pleasure meeting you both but we have plans to be somewhere soon so we really have to get going."

Anywhere else but here.

Quickly catching on to my ruse Klara mimicked my affected geniality and gave a tight yet disarming smile, "Yeah it's been a really enlightening conversation."

For all the wrong reasons.

You definitely can't complain that this gala was boring after all.

At this rate I would have preferred it stayed boring.

Astutely recognizing our attempt to extract ourselves from this conversation with a doubtful gaze Velthuria nevertheless nodded, "It really has. It's not often I meet humans that don't immediately turn the conversation into a rant about the Relay 314 Incident."

Gee, I wonder why?

Giving her a cold glare I nodded once but couldn't resist sarcastically replying, "Right. Maybe think about calling it something other than an 'incident' and see if that helps?"

Velthuria's eyes narrowed into dangerous emerald slits but she returned my nod.

Undaunted by the atmosphere Stenia threw caution to the wind and boldly offered, "You want to exchange extranet addresses just in case? Maybe try something more exotic if you're bored of the same old thing?"

Have to give her credit for being persistent.

Actually I'm tempted to tell her exotic for me would be a human girl from Anhur.

"I can guarantee you he won't be getting bored of this same old thing anytime soon, but good luck with your human fetish. Hope that works out for you." And just as quickly Klara asserted her claim to me and shut down the brazen turian with a sarcastic dismissal.

And there's that temper.

Speak for yourself. I tend to enjoy when bitchy and possessive Klara makes an appearance.

Smirking at Stenia's seething glare Klara took my hand and shamelessly used our sexual intimacy as a tool to further taunt the turian as she lead us away, "C'mon, babe. We've got a tie to break and I've got the urge to have my hair pulled."

Allow me to amend my previous statement. I absolutely love it when bitchy and possessive Klara makes an appearance.

With the bar so near the entrance it was only a short trip through thinning crowds to make our way out of the atrium and exit on to massive steps outside in the lively central plaza situated in the heart of Amano Iwato's busy Bunka district. The evening air of the arcology was comfortably cool and refreshing, prompting us both to pause and take deep breaths while gazing at the pulsing hustle and bustle of Friday night crowds enjoying Foundation Week.

Or not enjoying it as evidenced by the large protest being held in the plaza. Because that's a great way to spend your Friday night.

Freedom of expression is rarely convenient.

Frowning dubiously I squinted and observed what looked to be at least two or three hundred people cheering on a group of speakers on a raised dais while groups of city police, surveillance drones, and a few military personnel patrolled the square. Giving the military personnel a closer inspection I deduced they were Army soldiers outfitted with basic terrestrial PADS and standard loadouts minus any heavy weapons, giving me the impression they were not expecting a particular threat and were reasonably equipped to be a visible deterrent without alarming civilians.

Fairly reasonable stuff although as a Marine I'd probably never see this cushy of an assignment. Then again I doubt I'd also ever see the Army level of constant rotations and deployments, like having to spend part of your holiday weekend babysitting protesters.

Instead you spend most of a month long patrol taking an ice nap in a cryotube.

Yeah, there's got to be some sort of detrimental side effect to being frozen that often and for that long.

You mean besides the five or so minutes of agony you spend trying to hack up the protectant lining your respiratory system?

Shivering in disgust and shaking off my ruminations I glanced at my girlfriend and noticed she was lost in her own deep thoughts gazing at the protester's hovering holographic displays.

Following her gaze I took notice of one particularly offensive display that cycled between grisly holos and gruesome vids of what I assumed was the aftermath of the Argyre Planitia Campaign. Interspersed with images of death and destruction were phrases like 'This is the true foundation of this week' and 'Celebrate the UNSC: Slaughtering human populations since 2167'.

Grimacing with disgust and frustration I averted my gaze, upset at the tastelessness of these protesters to be using the mistakes of over four hundred years ago during the Interplanetary War to make a political statement about the UNSC today.

You're right. They should be using stuff from the last insurrection war. Or better yet you could provide them with vids of the volatile confrontations between the UNSC and colonists during your deployments to remote settlements.

Unwilling – and maybe unable – to address yet another uncomfortable narrative tonight I sighed and nudged Klara, drawing her attention and giving her a wry grin, "So... this was an interesting experience."

Klara responded to my ambiguous wording with a snort and roll of her eyes, a small grin forming on her face as she huffed, "That's one way to put it."

Attempting to put a humorous spin on our night I jocularly teased, "When you shut down that turian I thought that she was going to get her talons in you to see if your shrieks could be heard around the Izanagi system."

"I'd like to see her try." She joked before giving me a playful glare and warned, "And you better not be thinking about her or her talons either, buddy."

I'd much rather be thinking about Klara's 'talons' digging into my flesh but I couldn't resist teasing her a bit more now that we were comfortably away from tonight's sources of antagonism.

"Maybe once I lick between the plates nothing will ever taste the same again." I joked with a waggle of my eyebrows to torment her.

Klara pitifully directed her gaze to the heavens at my terrible joke and groaned, "That was so painful to watch that I was close to feeling sorry for her. Thank goodness you're not one of those people who uses pathetic pick up lines."

Speaking of pick up lines I narrowed my eyes in suspicion and moodily snarked, "Like that slimy bastard Greasy McShitstain when he had his hands all over you?"

"Greasy McShitstain?" Klara guffawed with wide eyed joy at the title I had given the oily ponce that shadowed her for most of the night. Shaking her head in exasperation she confirmed my guess with a slight grimace, "And yes, just like that pompous loser. Just thinking about how much cologne he had on is enough to make me nauseous all over again."

Squinting at her with interest I let my curiosity get the better of me and asked, "What was that ass trying to say to you when I returned from the restroom anyways?"

Never ask questions you don't actually want answered.

Curling her lips with distaste even at the reminder of his invasion of her personal space Klara mocked, "He asked if what I had on under my dress was made with eezo because I had an ass effect going on."

Ugh. Seriously? What was he? Twelve years old?

Snorting and shaking my head in frustration I glanced back at the Amaterasu Colonial Museum of Art and contemplated finding that insufferable assclown so I could beat him within an inch of his life for having the fucking gall to think he could make a move on my girlfriend. And then beat him again for using lame mass effect pick up lines.

Thankfully Klara handily defused my anger with a simple caressing touch of my chin, "He's not worth it, babe. Besides I think his ego was bruised along with his ribs when I told him it's because my body only responds to the touch of a real man with biotics."

My cheeks grew warm under her suggestive leer and proud affection for me and my abilities, leaving me to bashfully rub the back of my neck and chuckle. I can certainly imagine that smarmy pretty boy didn't get told no often, and it had to sting realizing that he was second rate to a mutant.

That would also explain his charming thoughts about biotics in general and you in particular.

Huh. Klara's rebuff had must have hit him squarely in his insecurities and shattered his beliefs to set him off like that.

Glancing at her curiously I sarcastically pondered out loud, "I'm guessing that explains his delightful thoughts on biotics."

Guiltily chewing on her lip Klara exhaled heavily through her nose and wrapped her arms around me, laying her head on my chest as we both gazed out into the crowds in contemplative silence. We stayed that way for several moments, enjoying the closeness and comfort of holding each other while trying to wrap our minds around the strange and at times uncomfortable experiences of what was supposed to be a fun night to cap off our memorable week here together.

You don't have to enjoy or agree with everything to learn from it.

I know that, but the lessons learned from tonight were going to take some time to figure out. Well, aside from avoid snobs and assholes, but that was something I already knew.

Sometimes you can't avoid them so it's better to learn how to deal with them.

I'm guessing this doesn't involve me popping a slug into someone's kneecap or breaking their jaw with a biotic strike?

That's your military training talking. You'll need more skillsets than that to function and excel.

Klara interrupted my musings with an uncharacteristically brooding and uncertain gaze, "You think they're right?"

Staring into her blue eyes I instantly understood she was reflecting on more than the divisive attitudes expressed tonight. Furrowing my brow in careful deliberation I mulled over her deceptively simple yet profound question.

How much should we let the opinions of others influence us? Too much and we risk being manipulated into shaping our lives and views around what others wished. Too little and we became closed off to helpful advice or new ideas that could potentially help us.

There's a balance to find there, but after the emotionally exhausting nature of tonight it was difficult to pinpoint.

Maybe instead of trying to find balance in others focus on what you need from them?

Letting my gaze wander over the crowd of noisy protesters, vigilant guardians patrolling the plaza, and the indifferent masses enjoying their night I was struck by the contrast in perspectives and priorities, bestowing some measure of clarity on the complicated and nuanced problem posed by Klara.

Now ready to answer her I licked my lips and spoke haltingly, my gaze still trained on the plaza as I slowly pieced together my thoughts into words. "No one is ever perfect. We act in our own self interest and that's not always a bad thing, but it reveals us for who we are and what matters the most to us. Or at least what we think matters the most at that time."

Humming thoughtfully at my words Klara posed another question, "But what if what we think matters the most is something detrimental or harmful to other people?"

Thinking about her question a bit more I shrugged and answered, "I guess always try to do no harm but if it happens then all that does is expose a person as selfish or careless. You can try to correct them or get them to stop but if they're cruel and indifferent then you won't have much success."

Reflecting on my response Klara stared at the protesters with a conflicted expression before finally gazing at me with a melancholy smile, "Is that why you force yourself to be calm when people talk about biotics? You just accept that some people are going to be bigots and there's nothing you can do about it?"

Blowing out a breath of frustration I stared back into her eyes and saw the anguished concern she carried for me of me, giving me pause before I recollected my thoughts and responded, "It upsets me but I know that if I get into an argument or react with anger then I'm playing into the depiction of biotics being pathologically aggressive and violent."

Lowering her gaze to my chest she dejectedly complained, "It's not fair that you're lumped in with the other lunatics and terrorists just because you're a biotic."

While I couldn't argue with the fact that there were biotics who engaged in things that perpetuated the worst stereotypes I was a bit alarmed that Klara seemed to believe that there was some truth to the claims biotics were naturally unstable.

You're probably the only biotic she's ever known, making you the exception to all the media reports and cultural propaganda.

That's not true. She's met Lizzy and Ari before and even as I'm thinking this through that might not be a good example.

Okay forget that. My sisters are definitely crazy but that has nothing to do with being a biotic.

Still troubled by her assessment of other biotics I gently chided, "Fair has nothing to do with it, hermosa. You think it's fair that those 'lunatics' are suffering from biotic implants that they thought were supposed to be safe? Or that biotics can be so ostracized and persecuted in society that they turn to crime and radical movements?"

Klara pulled away from our embrace to frown at me in disbelief, "But you're nothing like that, babe. In fact you're the opposite. You're a great example of how amazing and wonderful biotics can be."

She still wasn't getting it and that bothered me. Was she deliberately being obtuse or was she compartmentalizing my being a biotic?

If she is then it's your fault that she associates your biotics with sex only.

Deflecting her exaggerated praise I reached out with my right hand and cradled her jaw tenderly, "What I am is really lucky. Me and my sisters. My mother hid our biotic status when we were kids and that saved us from getting L2 implants or having to attend a brutal BAaT facility. And since then I've had people like you and my family that support me for who I am. Change one of those things and I'm probably a completely different person. You understand that, right?"

Clearly uncomfortable with this discussion she nodded reluctantly, her lips quirked to the side as she played with the buttons to my waistcoat. Compelled to ensure that she wasn't deceived or willfully ignorant to the nature of my biotics and military training I lifted her chin gently, "None of that changes the fact that the UNSC and possibly SpecWar want me for my biotic ability. They want a living weapon, hermosa."

Averting her gaze with a wince she nodded stiffly in acquiescence to this aspect of my future, but like the strong and confident woman she'd become she met my gaze again with resolve in her blazing blue eyes and lovingly vowed, "And I will remind you every day if I have to that you're more than that, babe."

Once more I was astounded and overwhelmed by her resolve. She was simply amazing.

Buoyed by her passionate declaration I grinned adoringly, cupping her jaw to rub my thumb across her lips tenderly and echoing the sentiment, "And I'll do the same for you because at the end of the day that's all that should matter to us, right?"

A beatific smile spread across he face as she blinked away tears and nodded happily. Surging forward she captured my lips in a soft and sweet kiss that lacked the fiery and sensual passion of our usual lip locks but instead conveyed something far more important – love and fidelity. Breaking off the kiss her smile became timid as she voiced her lamented concerns, "Maybe I'm a little late to this game, but I'm just now starting to realize that things are never going to be easy for us."

"You think?" I teased around a deep chuckle before sobering and prodding her with a nudge of my nose against hers, "But that's why we keep on trying, hermosa."

Brightening with earnest affection she brought her hand up to massage my neck and bit her lip shyly, "You're right. In fact I want to thank you for doing that this week, babe. We needed this and you delivered."

Averting my eyes out of bashfulness I quietly reproached, "Klara you don't have to thank me. I didn't do anything special. There is nowhere else I'd rather be than with you."

"And I'm grateful for that. After all the dumb things I did this trip could have turned out so wrong but you keep proving how wonderful you are." She ardently reaffirmed her recognition and gratitude while running the back of her knuckles along my jaw affectionately. Continuing to express herself she quietly and solemnly relayed the fears weighing upon her heart and mind, "I was expecting you to have second thoughts and maybe even reconsider the trip altogether."

"We already went over this today, Klara. I don't know what you want me to say." Filled with frustration over this topic I sighed warily and gazed off into the distance, my jaw tight with tension and stress. Couldn't we just forget about this for tonight?

Seems like that's all you two do. Ignore the realities of what you both do for a living until it's unavoidable.

Quite the pair we make.

Calming myself I breathed deeply and met her concerned eyes, "I'm still not happy you waited to tell me until after we made things official between us on Sirona, and I'm definitely still trying to figure out how I feel about what you do, but one thing that has never changed is how I feel about you. I'm still here because I want this to work so we start from there and move forward, okay?"

"That's all I want, babe. So much. I know I don't deserve how understanding you're being and I'm sorry for not doing the right thing by telling you up front. I didn't know what I was doing and was too scared of being rejected to trust you." Less confrontational than during our similar discussion earlier today it seemed that Klara was determined to apologize out of some need to absolve her guilt and fear.

And the more I spent time with it her the more it was becoming clear that guilt and fear are what guided her actions when it came to me.

When I didn't immediately respond she chuckled sheepishly and grinned disarmingly, "I guess I'm still don't have a single clue as to what I'm doing, and I'm still kind of scared you'll figure out I'm not that girl you thought I was back on Mindoir. That I'm a mess trying to get her life together and once you realize that you'll dump me."

My jaw slackened hearing her words, not just because of how insane it was to hear her reveal her insecurities but to realize they could have been echoes of my own thoughts about myself in this relationship.

You two really are quite the pair.

Pulling her into my arms I rubbed my hands along her back comfortingly as she returned the hug, both of us drawing the solace and reassurance we desperately needed from each other. Dropping a kiss on her temple I swayed us slightly and replied, "You're not the only one that feels that way, hermosa, but there is nothing to be scared of. Neither one of us is perfect, but we're in this together. Me and you against the galaxy."

Her response was to lift her head so she could kiss my cheek and hug me tighter, her head resting on my shoulder as she playfully whispered into my ear. "Against the universe, babe. From here to eternity."

And then some.

Delighted by her declaration I squeezed her tightly until she squealed and slapped my shoulder harshly, pushing away from my embrace the moment I freed her with a feigned scowl of annoyance. Trying to swallow back my guffaws and flushed with amorous intent I cheekily asked, "So now that we have that settled what's the plan for the rest of the night? Where are we headed?"

Driven by her own surge of hormones and emotions Klara mugged with a look of feigned thoughtfulness before she teasingly suggested, "Well all this talk about our feelings has me thinking. Seeing as how we're leaving tomorrow evening how about we skip the club and just head back to the hotel? We can break our tie and then make love until we have to pack tomorrow afternoon?"

"Oh you mean you're ready to lose to me?" My mouth shot off with a taunting riposte that she met with a challenging gleam in her eyes. Glancing in the direction of our hotel to gauge the distance I turned back to leer at my girlfriend with a charming grin, "It's not too far to the Ryokan Regelado. Maybe ten or fifteen minutes away. Want to walk? Gives us plenty of opportunities to get a start on our fun and games."

Klara nodded and looped her arm through mine, leading us towards the elevated catwalk that connected to the adjacent building. Peering up at me coyly through her lashes she grinned slyly and innocently teased, "Just so we both understand what's happening here I am going to win tonight and all this stalling does is give me time to ask my boyfriend deep and penetrating questions about very interesting things I've learned about him recently."

Uh huh. No way I'm letting her win this. I'd never hear the end of it.

Sneering at her insinuations I sucked on my teeth, making a sound I knew irritated her as I held my head high with a cocky demeanor. "Well just so long as you understand that once I get you back to the room all your delusions about winning will be shattered once I give you my own deep and penetrating investigation."

Slapping me across the chest Klara broke into delighted cackles at my deliberately bad innuendo, "Will you be thinking about space elves while that is happening?"

Told you volunteering that information was a bad idea.

Rolling my eyes I irritably complained, "Are you seriously going to tease me about that? I said quarians are attractive and they are. That's just an obvious observation."

Enjoying my reaction she clicked her tongue mockingly and needled me some more, "Don't get so defensive, babe. I find it fascinating learning what sort of kinks my boyfriend has. So far I know asari and quarians give him tingly feelings in his special places."

Unperturbed by her taunts I leveled an arrogant smirk at her and retorted, "I'll give you a lot more than tingly feelings in your special places. And for the record my actual preferences are a nice ass and pulling hair."

Simpering facetiously at my bawdy swagger she persisted in her pestering, "As you oh so accurately pointed out it's possible to fulfill both of those needs with a quarian, babe."

Glowering at her tenacious determination to win this battle I grumbled, "Seriously? You are the worst."

Sensing her victory was near she kept up her feigned innocence she laughed and teasingly protested, "What? I think this is important that I know what sort of dark perverted secrets you're hiding, nasty boy."

That's how she wants to play it, huh? Okay.

This will not end well.

Deciding it was time to use her hubris against her and go all orbital bombardment on her cute ass I casually suggested, "Oh you want nasty, huh? Well I have this one fantasy about watching you and a vorcha. Lots of biting and bodily fluids."

Stunned speechless for a beat she finally erupted in a histrionic fit of inarticulate disgust, disentangling our arms so she could shove me in annoyance. "What the hell? That's just uncalled for, Luis. A vorcha and bodily fluids? Seriously? Are you trying to make me vomit, asshole?"

Aaaaaaand it looks like my work is done here. Watching her tantrum with a smug smile I confidently proclaimed, "Shepard five, Palinkas four."

Now who's the one displaying hubris?

Instantly clamping down on her disgust she lifted her head proudly to eye me with a surly and defiant glare before sullenly snarking, "Do I even get a say in if the vorcha is male or female?"

Oh you're going to have to do better than that, Klara. Recognizing her petulant sarcasm for the deceptive tactic that it was I continued my tormenting onslaught with over the top gleefulness, "That's half the fun. You can never tell which one is which until the clothes come off."

Screwing her face up in exaggerated nauseated abhorrence she made a few gagging sounds before groaning, "There is something wrong with you, Luis."

Rather than take her grumbling seriously I shrugged indifferently and tauntingly retorted, "Says the woman with a thing for brightly colored lizard people."

Recovering from her annoyance at losing she she playfully retorted with feigned indignation, "Hey get it right, babe. Sexy as fucking hell brightly colored lizard people."

Yes, because how could I forget that detail?

"At least now I know why you love 'Two Moons Over Kahje' so much." I rolled my eyes at her unabashed attraction to drell but then my mind wandered down a path that brought a huge smile to my face. Giving her a sly sidelong glance I taunted, "I bet you could get a two for one deal with a hanar and drell at the same time."

A growl of irritation rumbled in her throat as she glared at me murderously. Speaking in a scathing tone she sarcastically replied, "Interestingly enough since I'm not the kind of girl that looks forward to psychedelic tentacle sex I'll have to take a pass on the hanar loving, thank you very much."

Looking at her with an expression of affected confusion I teasingly mocked, "What? Not turned on by the thought of ultra polite dirty talk in the third person filled with praises to the Enkindlers?"

Narrowing her gaze more she lowered her voice into an incredibly atrocious imitation of the hanar's characteristic monotone drone, "This one is not amused with these offensive suggestions and would advise against further provocation should you desire mating and intimacy this evening."

Laughing at her adorably bad humor I pulled her into a side embrace that Klara readily returned with a content smile, snuggling into me and resting her head on my shoulder. As we neared the hotel I glanced upwards to where the building exited the arcology and continued into the breathtaking night sky of Amaterasu – a sea of stars around a milky cluster that was the center of our galaxy. Looming large and brilliant were the twin moons of Kusanagi and Yata-no-Kagami running along the inside of Amaterasu's faint brown ring.

Inspired by the impressive majesty of the heavens above I began formulating a plan for tonight, prompting me to turn her joke back on her with a deep and sultry timbre to my voice. "How about I order us some wine to celebrate our mating and intimacy?"

Tilting her head up to gaze me through her lashes she grinned and used the tip of her right index finger to tap my nose playfully, "If you pick out a Drakon Gamay or Elysian Shiraz then that sounds like the perfect way to spend our last night."

Impressed by her knowledge of wines I lifted my omni-tool to place the order while jocularly teasing, "Look at you getting all fancy with knowing wines. Feel like adding some raspberry chocolate sauce and frozen strawberries to go with the Drakon Gamay?"

Humming approvingly at the possibilities my choice provided she glanced at me and modestly admitted around a pinkish tinge to her cheeks that had little to do with her makeup, "Sounds great, babe, but unfortunately that is the extent of my fancy knowledge. I figured it might be in my best interest to learn more if your future involves running a winery back on Mindoir."

Damn it, she did it again. A simple yet profound statement that spoke volumes about how she felt towards me.

Overcome with affection and tenderness I grasped her jaw and gave her a kiss that left us both breathless. Breaking the lip lock I was satisfied to see her wearing an expression of dumbstruck giddiness on her beautiful face, her blue eyes trained on me with a drunken intensity that mirrored her growing and insatiable lust.

Feeling my own surges of intoxicating and invigorating carnal hunger flowing through my veins I completed our order and snatched her by the hand, drawing confused and amused stares from the others by dragging along an eagerly giggling Klara.

Time to show this woman how much she means to me.

In no time at all we were breathless and impatient waiting in the Ryokan Regelado lobby for an elevator along with an older couple and their two kids – a stereotypical sullen teen boy and a small girl dressed in a Captain Cosmic outfit. The couple gave us curious and knowing glances while their son tried to hide his gawking at Klara in her eye-catching dress. Their youngest had no such compunctions or reticence, smiling widely at Klara and enthusiastically saying, "You're pretty and I like your dress. It's pretty too. I like the colors and the lights."

I couldn't resist the wide smile of pride that spread across my face, finding myself in complete agreement with the young girl.

For reasons that are nowhere near as innocent.

Taken aback by the girl's unexpected compliments Klara was overjoyed and smiled, "Why thank you, sweetie. You look even better in Captain Cosmic's armor."

Glancing at the girl I found her to be perfectly adorable in the iconic armor. A cute cherubic face with bright brown eyes and a head of thick dark brown curls pulled into a loose ponytail added to the ensemble, giving her a natural feel that put her at ease in the faux armor outfit like she was born to wear it.

A far better sight than Celestyn Law, although that wasn't saying much.

The girl's parents smiled proudly at their daughter's outgoing nature as she puffed out her chest and proudly proclaimed, "I want to be like Captain Cosmic when I grow up so I can protect everyone with my biotics."

Wait, what?

Stunned by her admission I glanced to the parents who both looked at Klara and I with apprehension, the father quickly reprimanding his daughter, "Fayola you can't go around telling people that."

Fayloa's joy was quickly tampered down with shame and fear as she lowered her gaze to the ground with a pout that broke my heart to witness. Looking distressed over her daughter's morose reaction the mother quickly picked up Fayola and smiled tightly in apology to Klara and I, "Sorry to alarm you. It's really nothing to be worried about. She's not dangerous and has only been implanted recently."

This wasn't right. She was only a child. She shouldn't have to deal with the ignorant bigotry of others at such a young age.

She shouldn't have to feel like something was wrong with her.

Outraged at the injustice of seeing this family and their young biotic daughter have to apologize for her biotic potential I stalked forward. Her parents looked alarmed and fearful at my purposeful stride towards them but I paid them no attention, ducking my head to meet Fayloa's eyes as she rested her head on her mother's shoulder. Our brown eyed gazes connecting I smiled and pointed towards the back of my neck. "Fayola? There's nothing to be ashamed of. See? I'm a biotic, too."

Now it was her parent's who looked stunned, craning their necks to see my cybernetic ports while Fayloa perked up with a hopeful smile.

Klara moved into the girl's line of vision and took my hand, placing a tender kiss on my cheek and explaining proudly, "He's not just a biotic, he's a UNSC Marine that protects people with his biotics and I love him very much."

She said it again. So effortless and casual with no additional context needed. She loved me. Klara Palinkas loved me.

Can you let her know you return that love?

I can. I will.

Finally reciprocating her brave assertion I stared into her eyes and slowly pulled her to me, capturing her lips in a sweet and chaste kiss before declaring, "And I love her just as much."

About damn time.

Staring into my eyes with a wide eyed misty gaze Klara nearly swooned at my words but was interrupted by Fayloa practically bursting with joy and demanding, "You're really a biotic, too?"

Tearing my gaze from my girlfriend I chuckled at the girl's exuberance, riding my own wave of exhilaration and joy. But instead of answering her I held out my hand and looked pointedly at the replica Captain Cosmic helmet in her grasp. Quickly deducing what I was planning to do she handed it over and watched with amazement as I let my biotic aura flare, the indigo and blue corona garnering the shocked and intrigued gazes of others in the lobby. Klara and Fayola gasped loudly at the display but I willed away their distractions as well as the sensations of vertigo and a head rush, focusing instead on the helmet until it was encased in a field of lowered mass and slowly floating upwards weightlessly.

For a moment I felt a level of calm contentment that I had never felt before when using my biotics. The freely admitted love I felt for Klara mingled with the pride I took in protecting this young biotic girl's innocence and self-esteem, washing over me in waves that matched the pulses of dark energy thrumming about me.

Not wanting to exhaust myself I quickly let the field die and my aura fizzle away, snatching the helmet out of the air as gravity reasserted itself. Handing it back with a cocky half smile and waggle of my eyebrows I reassured Fayola, "And with practice you can do things like that one day."

"Did you see that, mom? That was awesome! I'm going to do that one day!" Fayola crowed holding the helmet aloft, her mother laughing at her baby girl's enthusiasm and sparing me an heartfelt gaze of gratitude that filled me with more satisfaction than just about any accomplishment I'd achieved in my life thus far.

Well except for one.

Turning to smile at my girlfriend I noticed her glancing between me and the young girl in dazed amazement, her lip tugged between her teeth in a manner that suggested she was holding back on quite a bit of arousal. Peering into her eyes I noticed they were hazy with lust and excitement, leaving me flustered at what I had done as to warrant this reaction until I noticed our still conjoined hands.

Hands that were held together as I had activated my biotic aura.

She does associate your biotics with sex.

Oh. Well that would do it.

Giving her hand a gentle squeeze caused her nostrils to flare and eyes to snap to mine with a look that warned she was primed and ready to pounce on me. Realizing where we were she averted her gaze to clear her throat and squirm to relieve her tension.

Holy shit. That was an entirely unexpected although not undesired side effect, but the timing of it was a bit off. Deciding I could use this to my advantage I gazed back at Fayola with a squint and wagged a finger at her, "But you have to remember that having this gift is a serious responsibility and until you have a teacher to help you practice you can hurt yourself or others, okay?"

The young girl nodded fervently, engrossed by my words. Turning my stern frown into a sly grin I held that single wagging finger aloft and confessed in a stage whisper, "And you have to get rid of the excess static electricity, but there's fun ways of doing that."

Your definition of fun is in serious need of recalibration.

Lazily turning my gaze to Klara I made a dramatic act of inching that single finger towards her. Realizing what was coming her way dissipated the wanton haze dissipated as she recoiled while loudly chastising me, "No, Luis. It wasn't funny the first time you did it and it hasn't been funny the dozens of times you've done it since."

I beg to differ. It was fucking hilarious.

Pouting with feigned sorrow I continued to move my finger towards her while whining, "But Klara you said you love me."

"Not that much." She retorted around a scowl and firm shake of her head, eyeing the approaching finger warily with a raised hand poised to swat it away.

Knowing it wouldn't set a good example for Fayola as she and her family watched our playful interaction I sighed reluctantly and trudged theatrically towards a nearby metal pillar, wincing as I harshly slapped my hand against its surface to mask the quick snap and jolt of static discharge.

That never gets any easier.

Walking back to the elevator banks I noticed that Fayola's grin had become look of mischievous contemplation aimed at her teenage brother who still seemed more interested in Klara to notice.

Boy is he in for a shocking future.

Puns about static discharge. You sure your sense of humor isn't defective?

Not any more so than usual.

Finally an elevator arrived and we all boarded, the VI quickly accessing omni-tools for reservations to select the appropriate floors. Klara took my hand again and used the lack of space in the confined quarters of the elevator car to back up against me, pinning me to the wall despite the audience we had. I swallowed and breathed deeply as she took both of my hands in hers and held them together over her lower belly, using the innocent positioning to drive herself backwards with steady pressure until my strained erection was pinned by the firm mass of her backside.

My hands tightened their grip on hers in retaliation, fighting a losing battle of self control against her naughty onslaught and the savage primal beast within that she was stirring. And then to make matters worse she shifted her weight from one leg to the other repeatedly as a pretense for grinding her ass slowly into my crotch.

Fuck. There is no way I can beat her at this game. She's too damn good at it.

The other occupants remained oblivious to my torment, mistakenly assuming my flushed face and flustered silence was a byproduct of my biotics usage. An impression Klara was only too willing to let them believe with a wide and innocent smile that didn't betray her actions.

Seems my outer colony angel was more demon temptress determined to make me weak at the knees.

Mercifully the elevator came to a stop on the twenty-sixth floor and the young family exited, giving us friendly smiles and nods of acknowledgment. Over her mother's shoulder Fayola grinned and waved happily at us as the elevator doors closed, "Take care! Bye!"

We laughed at her exuberance and waved back, at least until the doors shut and we were alone again. Klara spun around to pin me against the wall with her hands on my shoulders, her face a mask of irritated hunger. "You fucking bastard. You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

Nope, but I'll take credit for it.

Snatching her by the waist I yanked her forward, driving her core against the throbbing manhood she had been provoking and chuckling against her ear, "Actually I didn't, but I'm not going to deny it's working to my benefit."

She lunged forward to attack my neck with kisses and soft bites, trailing upwards to my lips with a groan of excitement as she murmured. "You have no idea how wet that got me, babe."

My hands roamed over her perfectly rounded ass, squeezing and massaging it the way I knew she liked. Pulling away from her greedy mouth I teasingly asked, "You liked that, huh?"

Klara paused to gaze at me with an aroused intensity that I had never seen from her before, "Babe I swear I could feel how horny and happy you were when you used your biotics. I can't stop thinking about making babies right now."

Wait... I... but that... what?

My brain locked up at her words, causing her to roll her eyes and sarcastically huff, "Relax, Luis. I said making babies. You know, the fun part?"

"Oh." Oddly I could only stare at her with an mixture of relief, confusion, and disappointment.

That's a weird response.

You're telling me. And what the hell is this about feeling my emotions through my biotics? That's not something related to biotics. That's an asari thing. Or so I've heard.

Backing away from our embrace she frowned, careful in her clarification of any misunderstanding that might of occurred, "Babe it's going to be years before we even think about that. First we've got to finish our educations and figure out what we're doing with our careers."

That makes perfect sense and yet... I don't know. I can't explain it.

You feel conflicted over how much you reacted to that?

"No, you're right. Just took me by surprise." Nodding around a deep breath I agreed with her sober assessment, trying to digest why I was so conflicted on the matter as the elevator arrived at our floor and we exited.

Maybe it was as simple as falling under the sway of her bewitching allure? I mean what sane heterosexual man wouldn't succumb to the overwhelming thrill of having a woman as beautiful as Klara say she wants to make babies with you?

Not many.

And I really appreciated her filthy banter when we were in the heat of the moment. It heightened the feel of it all. So what's the harm, really? It was all talk until we made the conscious decision to turn off our contraceptive implants.

Kind of like your parents did when they conceived Lizzy?

Suddenly I found it difficult to breathe as that uniquely terrifying thought took hold of my mind.

Holy shit? Was that it? I was subconsciously drawing the parallels between my parents and the relationship I had with Klara?

Our subdued silence continued as we walked down the hallway towards our corner suite, Klara periodically giving me worried glances that I tried to ignore. Arriving at our door I keyed in the access from my omni-tool and stepped aside for Klara to enter the darkened room, following closely behind her as the door sealed and the VI activated the lighting and ambiance to our preferred settings after having been programmed from a week long stay.

Once in the privacy of our suite Klara brought me to a halt with her hand on my chest, causing me to focus on her with a puzzled expression. Her enchantingly beautiful face expressed reassurance with a searching cerulean gaze, "Hey, don't freak out on me, babe. Between watching you help that little girl, saying you love me, and then feeling your biotics I got caught up in the moment. My mind sort of went blank and my hormones took control. It just felt right to say that."

Rendered speechless I could only breathe heavily and stare with astonishment at her admission, never before having felt this sort of empowerment in my relationship with Klara.

Averting her gaze playfully to the right she quirked her lips and admitted, "To be honest talking dirty like that with you kind of excites me too."

Aroused and emboldened by her confession I pinned her against the door leading to the en suite bathroom, nipping at her helix and lobe piercings while muttering in her ear, "Your dirty little mouth seems to have a knack for that."

"It's what I do best, babe." She teased with a breathy gasp, running her hands over my chest before shoving me away with a cocky smirk that ignited the pulse of fiery desire coursing through my body.

If she wants to play I'll be more than happy to oblige.

Caught up in a haze of lust I growled, a deep sound of carnal hunger that matched my body language of coiling in preparation to lunge on my preferred prey.

But Klara had other ideas. Stopping me cold with a raised her hand she wagged an infuriating finger in my face as she clicked her tongue mockingly and teasingly winked, "But first I need to freshen up and use the restroom."

With that she hovered her hand over the haptic controls to open the door behind her, twirling around in place with an exaggerated dip before flouncing her way into the bathroom. Distracted by her lively and erotic movements in that dress I was unprepared when the she raised an eyebrow and tapped the controls on the other side, "By the way, I think this means we're tied, babe."

Her words left me dumbstruck and indignant on the other side of the door as it sealed in my face

What just happened?

If you need it explained then you've got bigger problems to worry about.

Rubbing my face and sighing in frustrated defeat I shuffled towards the closet, shrugging off my evening jacket in the process. Placing the new jacket in the garment bag that it had been delivered in I closed the closet and walked towards the large windows of the suite to enact my previous plans. The usual skycar traffic zoomed by as I tapped the window, bringing up the room's control menu on the glass surface. Skimming through the options I found the privacy settings and raised them, a glistening blue tinted polarized glaze spreading across the windows.

The view of the colonial skyline was too good to obstruct with curtains but that didn't mean we'd appreciate an audience for tonight's festivities.

Cycling through the menu some more I found the interior mood settings and pored over the options until... Ah, there it is.

A quick tap and the lights were extinguished, bathing the room in starlight as the ceiling and walls morphed into a real time display of the night sky above us completely unencumbered by artificial structures and light pollution.

Grinning proudly at my choice I dismissed with the room's control with a swipe across the glass and then consulted my omni-tool for the final touch, searching for the playlist that Klara and I had been building together for the past month or so of our favorite songs with sexy ambiance. Once located I searched for the perfect slow tempo jam to match the setting until Cecilia Gaposchkin's High Luminosity caught my eye.

Perfect.

Selecting the song I prided myself on a job well done, assured that Klara would be impressed.

Just as the first strains of a piano over a synthesized drumbeat filled the room a quick chime and orange flash from my omni-tool announced the arrival of our room service. Dashing to the door I swiped at it's surface, bringing up a display of the hallway outside and confirming the presence of an automated cart carrying a tray with our goodies. Opening the door with a quick flick at the haptic controls the VI greeted me, "Delivery for Luis Shepard, Suite 3989."

"That would be me." I blandly replied knowing the VI didn't have the capacity to care if I was cordial or not.

A second notification chime confirmed the delivery as I took the heavier than expected tray and walked away, allowing the door to automatically seal as I ignored the VI's programmed sendoff, "Have a pleasant evening, Mister Shepard."

Placing the tray on the lounge table near the windows I pulled off the cover to find two wine glasses accompanying the bottle of Drakon Gamay nestled into it's chilled ice bucket along with the strawberries and self warming caquelon filled to the brim with molten raspberry chocolate.

"That smells delicious." The sound of Klara's voice over the music nearly startled me, turning around to find her admiring the room in the dim lighting before grinning at me and teasing, "Someone's putting in the extra effort to make me feel special instead of just trying to get in my panties. I wholeheartedly approve, babe."

Shrugging bashfully I gave her an appreciative glance only to notice with growing alarm that she wore her dark blue kimono robe and her amaranth purple dress was draped neatly over her arm. Peering at more closely in the dim star light I gasped upon noticing she had removed her makeup and let her hair out of it's bun, keeping the sidebraids and pompadour. "You changed? Why?"

Hearing the whining tone to my voice I winced.

Now there's a masculine tenor that's sure to make her quiver with uncontrollable desire.

Giving me an amused eye roll and snort she moved to the closet to place her gown in it's garment bag, sarcastically replying, "Babe you've undressed me plenty of times and you'll undress me a million more. I think we can both agree that with how much these outfits cost they're not getting anywhere near chocolate sauce while we're horny."

Pausing to reflect on the wisdom in her words I anxiously glanced down at my waistcoat, dress shirt, slacks, and jodhpur boots with foreboding. It would just be my luck to ruin them now after avoiding that fate all night.

Smirking at my dawning realization Klara thumbed at the bathroom and ordered, "Go take it off and freshen yourself up while I finished getting dressed."

Getting dressed? Into what?

What do you think?

Intrigued by the possibilities I raised an eager eyebrow and smiled wide, to which she snapped her fingers and pointed at the bathroom while intoning, "The quicker you go and do as I ask like a good little boy then the quicker you can find out what your imaginative and ever so resourceful girlfriend has planned. Give me five minutes and I'm going to blow your mind, babe."

Sounds like that's not all she plans on blowing.

I'm liking this plan more and more.

Sighing exaggeratedly I trudged to the bathroom and sealed the door behind me while I worked on the cuffs, buttons, and closures to my clothing. In no time at all I was down to my purple boxer briefs having folded and stacked my garments on the edge of the two person sized whirlpool tub that Klara and I had put to use extensively during this trip.

Very extensively, I thought with a lecherous smirk.

The amount of water you two wasted should be illegal.

Garden world. No restrictions. Klara gets carried away whenever water is involved. I'm not complaining.

Standing before the double wide lighted mirror I satisfied my vanity by preening and flexing from different angles. For the first time ever I no longer saw the tall and awkward looking teen with a mop of unruly hair. Instead my reflection showed a strapping young man with an athletic frame covered in a modest level of hair across my toned chest and abs. The youthful chubbiness in my face had given way to ruggedly defined features with traits from my mother's family. Thick eyebrows and deep brown eyes gave me a brooding and menacing look – not unlike my father – even when I wasn't trying, and the normally short buzz cut I wore had grown to a respectable length that paired well with the black stubble shadowing my jaw.

Giving my reflection an admiring grin I had to admit I looked pretty damn good.

Conceited much?

Hey some of this was just good genetics from my parents but I earned this body through grueling training sessions with two N7 instructors. I'm not about to diminish my pride in that accomplishment – or deny Klara the pleasure of enjoying it.

Keep staring in the mirror and she'll be forced to enjoy herself, Narcissus.

I wouldn't mind watching that either.

With my ego sufficiently bolstered I refocused my efforts on ablutions with the first order of business being a quick detour to the toilet to relieve myself of the mixed drinks I'd had tonight. One drained bladder and thorough cleaning later I was back in front of the mirror washing up and making sure I was free of any sweaty odors from dancing. A quick glance and frown at my bared teeth prompted me to pop a oral hygiene tablet and pull out my cision pro toothbrush, the potent compound reacting with my saliva to create a tingly frothy cleansing mixture that worked well with the micro mass effect fields of my toothbrush.

Spitting out the mixture and cleaning up I glanced at my omni-tool's chronometer, realizing close to ten minutes had passed.

More than enough time for Klara to have finished doing whatever it is she was doing.

Excited?

Hell yes.

Taking a deep breath to will away the thrills of anticipation I gathered my pile of clothes and exited the bathroom. Turning towards the main room I saw Klara reclining lazily in her kimono on a lounger near the window, blanketed in shadow and starlight with her attention fully engrossed on the skycars passing by outside.

Squinting in the darkness I couldn't see what she had done differently.

Maybe it's under the kimono?

Then judging by how that already short robe was riding up her bare thighs she wasn't wearing much.

Complaining?

Not at all.

Walking towards the bureau I tossed my clothes atop it and cleared my throat to announce my presence of the slow throbbing bassline of the music playing in the background.

Klara jumped slightly at my intrusion into her wandering thoughts but recovered with a slow turn of her head and small grin, "Took you long enough, babe. I was beginning to think you had started without me."

Not wanting to admit that I had been checking myself out in the mirror I grunted and nervously changed the subject, "So I was thinking that we could order in something to eat tomorrow morning from that place we went to on Tuesday. You know the one that had the potatoes and omelets you liked so much?"

Seeing through my ruse to deflect and ignore her comment Klara raised an eyebrow but humored me, especially since her intrigue and appetite were piqued. "They deliver?"

Nodding at her keen interest I smiled and revealed my plans, "Yeah I checked it out later that same day. Been saving it as a surprise for our last day."

Tilting her head to the side she smiled back affectionately, "Best boyfriend ever."

Pleased with her response I eagerly jumped into the rest of my idea, babbling and gesturing with enthusiasm. "And then I was thinking that we could check out a bit early and head to the orbital station. I hear they've got a nice korean barbecue place that has the best... holy shit."

My ramblings were cut short by a shocked utterance as Klara rose to her feet, her blue kimono sliding off her shoulders and down to her elbows to reveal what she had on underneath.

Except that it wasn't her blue kimono she was wearing. That was my dress uniform coat. And underneath she had on the breathtaking and provocative lingerie set that had captured my imagination and libido on my birthday.

Adorning her upper body was a high neck bra with royal purple silk cups with silver embroidery and a sheer lacy black panel with pulsing purple threads that wrapped across her chest and shoulders, anchored around her neck by a silk purple choker. Below the bra her toned midriff was exposed, the expanse of taut peach colored skin going on until reaching a pair of matching panties that sat low on her curvy hips. A single royal purple silk panel with silver embroidery cover her crotch and mound while panels of the same sheer black lace with pulsing purple threads held the panties together.

She wasn't kidding about blowing your mind.

Grinning widely at my reaction she mockingly asked, "The best holy shit? Never had that before. Think you can give me some of that tonight, babe?"

Unable to process much of what she was saying I tried to get my breathing under control and numbly stated "That's my dress uniform."

Brilliant observation.

Continuing to gaze at her magnificent form I squirmed uneasily on my feet, unable to control the stirring beast that was beginning to flood my body with a thundering and knee weakening pulse of lust.

"Yeah so I got a little impatient and decided that if you weren't going to wear it for this trip then I would." Glancing down at the coat she ran her fingers sensually over the material before shrugging it back on over her shoulders. It was over-sized on her petite frame but she managed to make it look incredible by tucking the lower half behind her so she could place her hands on her hips. Tilting her head and hips in a cocky display of how good she knew she looked she bit her lip and coquettishly asked, "What do you think, babe?"

What do I think? I think I'm in love.

My breath coming in shorter pants I blinked once, twice, and then a third time before giving up all pretenses and letting my primal nature take the forefront. Letting my hand wander down to my crotch I eagerly squeezed and stroked my engorged length through the material of my boxer briefs, never once taking my eyes off hers as I stalked forward and growled with arousal, "I don't think that's regulation, but also I don't think I care. You look fucking fantastic in it."

"Bet I look even better with it off." She purred and teasingly backed away towards the bed before smirking, "By the way babe I think this gives me the lead, six to five."

At her banter I froze, realizing she was in fact correct. The primal beast within demanded that I remind her who was in charge.

In case you hadn't noticed, she is.

Under her own spell of feminine pride and lust Klara stood defiantly, a suggestive and taunting grin adorning her face as she beckoned me closer with a crook of her finger. "Whatcha waiting for, Marine? Scared?"

Famous last words, Palinkas.

Before she could even blink I surged forward and tackled her to the bed, wine and treats forgotten as her excited shrieks and squeals soon gave way to moans and pants under my assault.

---

Codex Entry: Turians

Turians [Terran Classification: Avis Armatura Palavenum] are a dextro-based species of omnivorous sapients native to the planet Palaven [Trebia System, Regio Apien Star Cluster]. Regarded as one of the preeminent civilizations in the galaxy turians are an honorable and disciplined species contributing the military power behind the Citadel Charter. As members of the Citadel Council their pragmatic nature provides a stabilizing presence that ensures galactic policy is not subjected to the short and long term goals of the salarians and asari, respectively.

As bipedal vertebrate tetrapods turians are yet another example of convergent evolution in sapients. Each limb possesses [3] digits with opposable thumb analogues on hands and digitigrade legs. A homeothermic metabolism maintains an average temperature of [Terran Translation: 35.8 Celsius] and viviparous reproduction produces on average [1] offspring after [8][Terran Translation: Months]. Sexual dimorphism is pronounced with males possessing external genitalia, crested and frilled carapace, and average [Terran Translation: 200 cm] & [Terran Translation: 85 kg], and females possessing internal genitalia, streamlined carapace, and average [Terran Translation: 195 cm] & [Terran Translation: 75 kg]. Life expectancy averages [160][Galactic] years. Biotic potential is rare due to element zero toxicity and social factors controlling element zero exposure.

Palaven's megafauna ecology and high level of solar radiation created a host of unique features that turians inherited from maniraptorian ancestors who stalked the plains and valleys in predatory packs. To protect from radiation and predation a carapace of flexible bone plates with trace amounts of metals covers the body, limbs, and head. Jaws lined with sharp teeth are covered to either side by articulated mandibles. Infants are born capable of digesting solid food negating the need for mammary glands in females. Eye structures have adapted to see in the near ultraviolet spectrum and low light conditions. Talons grow from each digit and serve as tools for traction when climbing, digging, and running. Specialized organs in the respiratory tract are responsible for the complex and characteristic flanged vocalization. Bone spurs at the wrist and ankle joints carry a weak neurotoxin that is applied through punctures or scrapes. The legs and torso are streamlined for bursts of speed over short distances and quick agile changes in direction.

Turian civilization dates back nearly [15500][Galactic] years, but the interstellar phase of development began in [Terran Translation: 686 CE, Terran Calendar] when an intact Prothean Information Repository Outpost [PIRO] was located on Ossaean – a natural satellite of Essenus [Trebia System, Regio Apien Star Cluster]. Interstellar expansion would create sovereign colonies that fractured turian racial solidarity as hostilities grew between colonies competing over territorial rights to uninhabited star systems until internecine warfare erupted in [Terran Translation: 803 CE, Terran Calendar], marking the beginning of the Turian Unification War. The ensuing regional conflicts spilled across turian territories with refugees, terrorism, and piracy that prompted the nation states of Palaven to unite in a brutal campaign of pacification and occupation that ended the war and founded the Turian Hierarchy by [Terran Translation: 890 CE, Terran Calendar].

First contact was made in [Terran Translation: 1013 CE, Terran Calendar] with the Charter Races who were embroiled in the Krogan Rebellions. The Citadel Council opened negotiations with turians who agreed to use their considerable military might in exchange for several concessions and soon turian units were engaging krogan in brutal and pyrrhic battles across Charter Space. After releasing the Genophage and letting attrition weaken krogan clans the conflict was declared officially over in [Terran Translation: 1295 CE, Terran Calendar] and for their service turians would go on to be awarded a seat on the Citadel Council, gain a client race in the volus, author the Farixen Treaty, and organize the Council Demilitarization Enforcement Missions [CDEM]. Despite these accolades and prestige turians have not always exercised perfect judgment. More recently errant turian military units were responsible for the fiasco of mishandling first contact protocols and ensuing overreaction resulting in the [Terran Translation: First Contact War] with humans.

The course of turian civilization has been shaped by leaders, philosophers, and social reforms that emphasized civic virtue, martial discipline, public service, personal honor, work ethic, austerity, and integrity. As a result of holding these values in high esteem turians have one of the most progressive yet stable cultures in all of the galaxy. Meritocracy is the primary social organizing principle with young turians encouraged to pursue personal achievement as part of a framework for greater civic duty and community engagement. Character and self-restraint in conduct are also of particular concern with turians granted broad freedoms provided their personal or professional obligations are not impacted.

The Turian Hierarchy is the centralized government overseeing every official turian planet and settlement as well as their vast military forces. A unitary state with highly centralized bureaucratic structure and no political parties it is nevertheless democratic and liberal in personal freedoms. The underpinnings of turian meritocratic structure are derived from the combination of a [4][Galactic] year mandatory period of military or civil service, and a system of organizing society around [27] tiers of citizenship based upon individual assessments in skill, education, competency, personal conduct, and civic duty.

A brief overview of the turian citizenship tiers is as follows:

Tutorum [Tier 1]: Minors, infirm, and client races; Young turians are educated until reaching physical maturity at age [15][Galactic] years; Further education can be pursued after completing mandatory service and gaining full citizenship.

Juvenich [Tier 2]: Period of mandatory military or civil service; Provisional citizenship; Contraceptive implants active.

Danus [Tier 3]: End of mandatory service and full citizenship conferred; Contraceptive implants placed under individual control; Opportunity to pursue private avenues of employment and civic engagement or continue with military or civil service.

Danuceps [Tiers 4-11]: Common and novice tiers of local importance; Basic competency, proficiency, and dedication to career and community.

Regularch [Tiers 12-19]: Managerial and professional tiers of elevated importance; Increased authority and responsibility in private and public sectors; Eligibility to seek nomination for office in municipal and regional positions granted.

Exarch [Tiers 20-26]: Executive and bureaucratic tier of highest importance; Highest levels of authority and responsibility in private and public sectors; Eligibility to seek nomination for office in colonial and higher positions granted.

Primarch [Tier 27]: Colonial governorship; Each star cluster under control of Turian Hierarchy is granted a single Primarch who serves as the supreme leadership over all territories within the star cluster

Citizenship tiers are built around societal checks which reinforces knowing one's limits, viewing promotion as obligation to increased responsibilities, and nepotism or micromanaging as detrimental to society. As a result turians are expected to show competency and professionalism in their assigned duties and personal responsibilities or otherwise risk demotion which can reflect poorly on the turian demoted and those who approved of their promotion. Repeat incidences of failure and incompetency due to behavioral problems can result in compulsory therapies, punitive corrective actions, and possible demotion to provisional citizenship and mandatory service. Habitual offenders and serious criminals risk lengthy incarceration or execution.

A seat on the Citadel Council provides turians with the power to influence and shape galactic policy particularly in matters of defense and security. Turians have a rich history of providing highly qualified and talented operatives to the Citadel Council's Special Tactics &Reconnaissance [SPECTRE] operations. Relations with the other Charter Races are primarily cordial and amicable with only minor differences pertaining to cultural disagreements, although the relationship with the volus is an official client state arrangement that leaves the Vol Protectorate with autonomous governance, surrogate representation on Council, and military protection in exchange for preferential financial status and economic assistance. Races outside of the Citadel Charter are usually held in contempt and distrust, with krogan in particular having mutual enmity due to the Krogan Rebellions, Genophage, and turian occupation of former krogan territories.

The Turian Hierarchy provides an extensive range of public services which employs a significant portion of the population. Private sectors of the economy are dominated by manufacturing in defense and aerospace with workers being productive and efficient but lacking in potential for innovation due to the natural turian inclination to be risk adverse, methodical, and practical. Financial markets and services are regarded as a necessary evil that must be tightly regulated and monitored which stunts external investment and internal growth. This makes turians generally poor entrepreneurs in comparison to other Charter Races which is the foundation for the client race relationship with the volus.

Culturally turians are quite enthusiastic about the arts and have a thriving music industry as turians are known to be some of the most impressive singers and musicians in the galaxy. Turians take cultural pride in glorifying the military and civil services through holidays, media, sports, and events. This mentality extends to colonial and even regional affiliation with turian society proud to showcase their heritage with facial tattoos, emblems worn on uniforms or clothing, and wearing distinct color schemes.

Romantic and sexual behavior varies greatly in turians but family plays a central role as the foundation of meritocracy. Contraceptive implants are mandatory and active until gaining full citizenship to prevent successful mating by immature or problematic individuals. It is culturally expected that parents be involved in rearing their children to ensure stability and instill turian values. Any turian found derelict in their duties as a parent can be demoted or face criminal charges.

The turian military is considered the largest in the galaxy and plays an integral role in the Citadel Charter. Senior positions and specialized operations are staffed by those who choose to remain in service after attaining full citizenship, relegating the bulk of junior positions in line units and ship crews to those in their mandatory service period. Military technology values reliability, durability, and firepower over speed, stealth, and maneuverability. VI automation, robotic platforms, and individual augmentation are incorporated into strategic and tactical philosophies but ideally turian soldiers are expected to be self sufficient to maximize unit survivability and prevent exploitable weaknesses in dependence upon logistical support.

Turian military philosophy demands intense discipline and command to dissuade military forces from being easily provoked or frightened. When finally committed to a conflict they use force concentration with combined arms to achieve their primary objectives of diminishing enemy combat and logistical capabilities until a threat has been fractured, neutralized, and occupied. This concept of total war allows for little distinction between uniformed military forces, paramilitary groups, insurgent rebels, criminal organizations, and armed civilians. A controversial turian military policy regarding occupying civilian sectors is to provide the opportunity for surrender and evacuation to sanctioned refugee zones before an area is pacified with extreme prejudice.

Despite the common misconception of turians being a humorless and practical race of militarists at the center of conflicts and imperial they remain some of the most steadfast adherents to the necessity of an organized and inclusive community as the base of a civilized galaxy. As members of the Citadel Council and a prominent force in Charter Space they have sought to bring peace and progress at every turn through their sensible ethics and willingness to combat threats. It is through their efforts that Charter Space enjoys it's current era of relative prosperity, security, and stability, and hopefully under their continued influence this era will only improve into a golden period of galactic history.