… you see, you don't know what life is going to deal you, but you have to learn how to deal with life. Fuck rolling with the punches, learn to punch back! — Dannika Dark, Impulse
Ài – [愛 – love] (whether spoken by Xiùlán or Samantha, the meaning is 'luv')]
Ø7 – An allegedly discontinued vocational code in the Systems Alliance military.
· · · · The Ø designates covert operations; the 7 refers to the highest level of proficiency.
Qíngfū or Qíngrén – [情夫 – lover]
• T'SERE SHIPWRIGHTS, DASSUS REPUBLIC · THESSIA •
Xiùlán—commenting all the while on the similarity of the shoreline below to that of her native China—enjoyed the short trip along the coast from Serrice to the headquarters and manufacturing plant of T'Sere Shipwrights. Ori, sitting with Miranda in the troop compartment, amused herself by playing with her new bracelet; when Miranda asked if not being able to remove it bothered her, she responded brightly, "Oh, no, Miri. I'll always know where it is, won't I? And having a mental link with it is simply amazing! It's so much more capable than my old Polaris model nine."
She continued experimenting and playing with it until we touched down in the visitor's parking area at our destination. It was no surprise to find Matriarch Tralis waiting at the edge of the paved area to greet and accompany us into the smallest of the three large assembly plants. The term smallest was actually a misnomer, as the building's ground-floor assembly area was still over 10,000 square meters in size. After I introduced my companions, the elegantly dressed asari led us into the building and straight to the Rebekah. Firmly ensconced in the special cradle designed to support its hull configuration, it looked much the same as it had during my previous visit.
"With the exception of the multicore shielding, upgraded Silaris hull armor and light-wave shield emitters, all of the changes and upgrades are concealed within her structure, Sammy." Tralis preceded us up a loading ramp and into the combination shuttle hanger and main storage compartment for ship's stores; once inside there, it was only a few steps to the engineering section.
Xiùlán, being intimately familiar with the drive core area within the Hong Kong, whistled in appreciation at the massive eezo core and fusion reactor assembly T'Sere's engineers had managed to cram into this compartment, commenting, "I don't believe I've ever seen a power plant this large installed in such a small amount of space."
Tralis chuckled and commented good-naturedly, "I take that as a compliment, Captain Yuán. Thanks to improvements in drive core design and reactor shielding technology since the Rebekah was launched, we were able to improve her maximum performance. Ultimate range at her upgraded cruising velocity has been increased as well." She looked at me as she added, "We believe the Rebekah's overall performance handily exceeds that of any ship of comparable mass."
I nodded mutely, nearly awestruck by the scale of their accomplishment. Buchanan was in for a real treat when T'Sere's modifications were complete. When I found my voice again, I commented, "The size of this powerplant reminds me of Commander Greg Adams description of the Tantalus Drive Core in the Normandy SR1. He described that ship as little more than a space-going racer … like a shuttlecraft with a cruiser-capable drive core." Chuckling at another memory, I added, "On several occasions, Joker … that is, Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau … bragged that he was the only pilot in the Navy capable of handling that much power."
Xiùlán smirked. "So, a bit overpowered for its size, was it?"
I grinned right back at her. "Damned ship could run rings around any other frigate in our Navy … maybe navies of other species as well. And Adam's opinion of starship drive cores has always been that too much power is never enough." I looked back at the Matriarch and asked, "May we see the rest of the interior? I'm especially interested in seeing the crew accommodations and command deck."
With a wave of her hand towards the exit hatch, she replied, "Right this way."
After touring the modified crew accommodations, including the combination galley/eating area and the medium-size single lavatory—with the side designated for male crew members having an auto-flush urinal installed beside the toilet—Tralis had brought us to the Rebekah's flight deck. As promised during my initial tour, navigation and flight controls had been integrated in order that just one properly trained person could—through the operation of the proprietary, state-of-the-art virtual intelligence—navigate and fly this ship.
The asari smiled when I asked about the Rebekah's improved defensive capabilities. "You may recall that all the offensive weaponry was removed when the ship was sold to Shade Microsystems in 2175. As to the ship's defenses, T'Sere engineers have adapted and installed many improvements developed during the past three decades. We left the weapons officer's position as it was, since it is a post that requires a trained specialist."
I asked, "Would it be possible that the co-pilot, or even the environmental systems technician could fill that post if so trained?"
Tralis grinned indulgently. "I'm sure of it. Cross-training command staff is always a good plan."
I looked around and nodded admiringly at the systems design improvements from the original configuration. There were chairs for two other crew besides the pilot and co-pilot; with the exception of the environmental controls station, an occasional fourth crew person could remotely monitor the comms and propulsion systems from a small console near the pilot's position.
Xiùlán caught my eye after gazing admiringly around the flight deck. In a soft voice, she said, "This will be an ideal ship in which to get around the galaxy, Sà mi. I bet Buchanan will really enjoy flying this thing."
I smirked as I responded just as quietly, "I know a young quarian that will be right at home in the pilot's chair, Luv." I didn't bother to explain further, as I didn't wish to name any more of the people associated with the Shadow Broker. I shot a furtive glance at Oriana, who apparently had not heard me mention Chinami.
I returned my attention to the Matriarch. "What's the estimated completion date for the overhaul, and would it be possible for a colleague to join your crew for the first shake-down flight?"
With a solemn expression, Tralis replied, "Two weeks until we begin flight testing, Sammy, but I'm sorry that, due to the potential for life-threatening emergencies, crew on the Rebekah's post-refit first flight can only consist of T'Sere personnel. You must understand, with a completely new propulsion and guidance system installed, the potential for unforeseen problems is greater than normal; we choose to limit potential casualties to T'Sere employees only. Having a client aboard for an inaugural flight has never been permitted."
I nodded my understanding as she added, "Of course, once we've thoroughly checked all the systems, a team will be assigned to instruct those of your colleagues that will be responsible for the Rebekah's operation after you take possession of her." After glancing at each of my companions, she added, "And now, if you have no further questions for me, I really must return to my duties."
I felt my cheeks flush slightly at the sudden realization of how much of this Matriarch's time I had taken. "Of course, and I truly appreciate the time you've shared with us today. The Rebekah looks like she's ready to fly right now. It will be wonderful to have her in her element once again."
"Unquestionably, Ms Traynor." Leading the way, Tralis went down a level, then walked through a short side corridor to a hatch surrounded by bright, greenish-yellow diagonal stripes that designated an emergency airlock; while the ship was docked for repairs, it was being used for worker access. As the interlocks were disabled for maintenance purposes, the outer hatch was also open; a catwalk secured to the sloping hull just outside the hatch allowed us to have a look at the sleek craft from a vantage point not normally available.
We followed the Matriarch as she led us away from the ship and into the nearby offices; she said her farewells to all of us, then had an aide lead us through the complex back to a sun-dappled courtyard, from which it was only a short walk to our shuttle. I thanked the asari maiden and wished her well, then slowly strolled to my UT-47. Damn thing looks positively frumpy compared to the Rebekah, came the thought. Just another of the Shadow Broker's assets I'll never get to enjoy.
• T'SONI COUNTRY ESTATE, ARMALI REPUBLIC · THESSIA •
We touched down at the T'Soni estate with ample time to clean up and relax in the company of Garrus—who was staying the night—along with Liara, Rachaél, and Aethyta. We sat in small clusters – Xiùlán with me and Liara, Oriana with Aethyta and Garrus, and Miranda with Rachaél.
I was a bit surprised that Ori had chosen to sit with the ever abrasive Matriarch, until I realized that Miranda's sister was made of sterner stuff than I had given her credit for; in point of fact, Oriana gave as good as she got in her conversation with the asari. Although they were seated too far from me to hear what they were discussing, Ori's animated gestures and facial expressions provided me with a bit of proof that she could become an excellent leader—alongside Buchanan—of the Broker's vast organization. If nothing else, the always expressive turian sitting across from them provided many visual cues indicating his amazement and, by turns, his surprise at witnessing this unassuming woman holding her own in the art of verbal banter with a centuries old Matriarch.
While Miranda and Rachaél reminisced about the time both had spent working against each other, followed by their coming together to defeat the Collectors, I spoke with Liara about leaving the work of the Shadow Broker to others.
Xiùlán, her face impassive, sipped from her glass of Serrice Ice Brandy as Liara spoke to me. "Have you decided what you will do once you leave, Sammy? You've told me that Iringù-Eßizkur will be your home and transport, at least for a short time." She paused to take a sip of Elasa; when she continued, she looked straight at Xiùlán. "I have made a number of discrete inquiries regarding opportunities for a woman possessing …" at this point she redirected her intense, blue-eyed gaze at me, "… your unique talents."
I looked straight at Xiùlán as I replied, "Just so you know, I won't take any job that involves working or living on the Citadel, Liara." The look of worried concern didn't escape me as I redirected my attention to the asari. "Too much of a temptation for me to pay a visit to the Normandy while the ship's docked." At Xiùlán's whispered, "Sà mi? …" I spared her a brief glance, then refocused on Liara. "I've promised Xiùlán I will not be the cause of Bill Cody's premature death. Better for us both if we never cross each other's path again."
Shifting her attention between us, Liara replied, "Okay. As that eliminates a couple of possibilities, I'll direct my attention to other vocations … and planets. Do you have any objections to working with the turians? I'm aware of a position in Cipritine on the turian homeworld that might suit your talents quite well. Not many humans working on Palaven, mainly due to solar radiation levels; you would need to wear an enviro-suit, or some form of radiation protection anytime you're outside."
A flanging voice tinged with deep sub-harmonics spoke up from behind me. "Additionally. the air worldwide is still fouled with dust and smoke, so an enviro-suit with air filtration is the best way to go." Garrus laid his hands gently on my shoulders. "Why, you thinking of stopping by for a visit, Sammy? … maybe even taking a job planet-side?"
"Actually, I am – planning a visit, anyway. I'll be visiting several of our allies during the next few months, Garrus – maybe even go to work someplace where the air doesn't have to be recycled." Looking up at him, I offered a cheeky grin as I continued, "Of course, visiting your homeworld requires some serious filtration of the air, even inside, but I may have an idea or two about how one might mitigate that problem."
The turian released me in order to move around the table. Taking a seat beside T'Soni, he leveled his sharp, sapphire-blue eyes at me as he said, "A task that's no doubt expensive to accomplish."
"Cleaning your atmosphere of all the smoke and particulate matter left behind by the war will be expensive, Garrus, but …" I paused to think for a moment before continuing. "Actually, I have not researched what technology would be required. I'll need to have a meeting with a friend. Give me some time to work on it, Garrus. I'm sure I can come up with something."
"Guaranteed income for you, Traynor, if you can present something feasible … and inexpensive."
We had continued our discussions through a sumptuous dinner and beyond, with after-dinner drinks in the luxurious lounge. The relaxed atmosphere within the T'Soni estate was something I could get used to with no trouble; it was a bit of a novelty to not have to consider where to sit for best advantage, should an enemy intent on mayhem suddenly appear.
It was nearly 2140 when I reluctantly stood from the cushy loveseat in which I had spent the early evening with my hand firmly clutching that of my Inamorata. It had been amusing to watch the differing reactions of Liara and Rachaél to our non-verbal expressions of love for one another. Liara grinned whenever she spotted me brushing my lips along Xiùlán's hairline; Rachaél's expressions were more surprising to me, for as passionately as she loved the asari at her side, her cheeks still colored slightly each time she spotted Xiùlán briefly nuzzling my neck, or me pulling a captured hand up for a kiss on the knuckles.
As Xiùlán stood with me, I bowed slightly towards our hosts as I said in a quiet voice, "Rachaél? Liara? We've had a wonderful visit. Your home is beautiful, and it's just so …"
"Relaxing to be here," Xiùlán finished for me. "This visit is exactly what I needed …" she looked at me without missing a beat. "… what we required, to reconnect, sort out our priorities, and discover the direction our lives must take. I feel as if I've had a long vacation. Thank you." She planted a chaste kiss on my cheek, then walked past me towards the hallway.
I watched her progress for a moment, then turned back to our hosts and explained, "We all need to get back to work tomorrow, Rachaél. I'll be making some final arrangements and will contact you as soon as possible." I looked at Liara and added, "I'll be talking to you as well … soon. We'll say our farewells in the morning. Goodnight." I inclined my head slightly towards each of them before turning to follow Xiùlán.
I found my Qíngrén waiting for me at the top of the stairs. "Took you long enough to get up here! If I didn't know better, I'd think that living life as an ordinary civilian has spoiled you."
"There's nothing ordinary about my life these days, my love … nothing at all." I sighed. "And just so you know, it's about to become a helluva lot more challenging, thanks to a miserable bastard that couldn't keep his opinions to himself."
"Please, Sà mi … let's not. I don't want us to fight. It's our last evening together, maybe for quite some time." She placed her body against mine, with one leg firmly between my own; as she reached around to hug me, her lips settled on mine, as if we were kissing for the first time ever.
"Xiùlán …" I managed to whisper just before she employed her tongue to invade my mouth. Giving up any pretense of resistance, I used my tongue to joust for dominance against the sweet-tasting attacker. She moaned slightly as she ground her crotch against my right thigh, then withdrew slightly to take a gulp of air, only to squeak in surprise as I slid a hand down her back and caressed her ass.
Voice husky, she whispered, "Lái ba, Sà mi, women qù wǒmen de fángjiān. Women qù women de fángjiān. Wo yào ni ràng wo chìluo." [來吧,薩米, 我們去我們的房間。我要你讓我赤裸。– Come on, Sammy, let's go to our room. I want you to make me naked.]
I drew back at that. "Did I hear correctly?" I giggled. "You want me to remove your clothing?"
Smoldering sable eyes behind half-closed lids bored into me as she nodded and pleaded softly, "Qing?" [請?– Please?]
I turned her and, still holding on to her wonderfully tight derriere, I started us down the hallway to our room as I replied, "You'll need to reciprocate, Ài … you wouldn't want me to feel awkward, would you? You completely naked and me fully clothed?" She giggled slightly in reply, sounding for all the world like a schoolgirl about to do something naughty.
It was all I could do to get the door open, step into our room and close it behind us without completely losing my composure. Xiùlán sat in one of the two chairs and began pulling her boots from her feet, only to have me intercede. "Thought I was supposed to be doing that," I reminded her. Her facial expression was priceless as she gripped the edges of her chair and waited.
I went to my knees in front of her and was immediately surprised to find she was wearing light combat boots. I looked up at her and asked, "Didn't you call me out for wearing my armor and knives under my clothes?"
She replied in a snarky tone. "I did, but I'm not being as blatant as you were. My pant legs cover the shin guards …" she pulled her pant legs up to her knees one at a time, "and you'll note that I'm not wearing húdié dāo." With a hint of embarrassment, she added, "I actually didn't bring casual shoes or boots, and these are everyday attire for me … so much so, I don't even think about it."
I nodded slowly as I released the latches holding the shin guards in place, then cupped the heel of each boot and slid them off her feet. After setting them aside, I motioned for her to stand. She looked at me quizzically, then did as I asked; this brought her waist and pelvis to my eye level. I released the clasp holding her belt, unbuttoned and unzipped her trousers and slid them slowly down her muscular legs until they were bunched in a puddle at her feet, where I assisted her in stepping out of them.
Reaching around, I again used a hand to fondle her butt, while softly caressing the back of her left thigh with my right hand. After placing a number of little kisses on the remaining scars in the skin above her knee, I languidly dragged my tongue upwards along the inside of her thigh before slowly standing to face her. "Your turn," I breathed softly.
A feral grin illuminating her visage, she immediately began unfastening my blouse while applying her lips to mine in a quick kiss. She declared, "Wo ài ni, Sà mi!" [我愛你,薩米 – I love you, Sammy!] as she used both hands to reach into my open shirt. Apparently, fondling my breasts through the lacy material of my bra wasn't good enough for her; she quickly grabbed the open fabric of my shirt at the collar and jerked it none too gently back and down off my shoulders.
With my upper arms so imprisoned, I was helpless to interfere—not that I desired to do so—as she skated the bra's bottom band up past the objects of her desire; I felt my exposed nipples instantly begin to stiffen in response to the coolness of our room. Xiùlán bent slightly and, cupping my left breast, expertly applied her mouth, tongue and teeth to the now fully erect nipple while using a thumb and fingertip to alternately pinch and twirl its counterpart on my right.
Feeling increasing dampness in my panties, I slid my feet apart slightly and moaned, "Qíngrén, please! Finish what you started while I'm still capable of standing!"
That brought her head up. With the feral grin replaced by a seemingly embarrassed smile, she whispered, "Sorry … let me just …" as she finished pulling my blouse off. With my arms newly freed, I hastily shed my bra and unfastened my pants, which she quickly yanked off my hips and down my thighs. Realizing my boots, along with the sheathes holding my húdié dāo, still needed to be removed, she quickly bent to the task. In short order, I was standing before her dressed in just my socks and a pair of skimpy underpants.
She briefly placed her fingers up between my legs; withdrawing her hand with a knowing smirk, she promptly removed her own shirt and bra, gave me an intimate, nearly bare body hug and kiss, then pulled me to the inviting bed. She gently caressed my face and said, "I didn't realize you were so close to the edge, Sà mi. I thought we'd go slow tonight, but afterwards? … yěxu zài lái yīcì?" […也許再來一次 – (perhaps) maybe again?] She caused me to squirm around a bit by using the tips of her fingernails to gently stroke my abs up and down.
I grinned at her. "Encore? Is that what you asked?" Her eyes and smirk told me all I needed to know. "You have me all evening, my Luv. You probably should make the most of it! God only knows I don't intend to spend any of the limited time I have available except in your arms!" I applied my lips to her mouth in a heated kiss, eased back slightly as I pulled her on top of me and said, "Wo ài ni, Xiùlán. Take me, please?!"
Mid-morning found Garrus, Oriana, Miranda, Xiùlán and myself, along with Spectre Shepard and Lady Liara, gathered at the parking apron east of the house; we were standing in front of the turian shuttlecraft belonging to Garrus, to whom Xiùlán and myself had each bid a fond farewell.
In point of fact, Garrus had enthusiastically embraced both of us; releasing me from his arms, he whispered, "Stay in touch, Samantha, if for no other reason than to let me know you're okay. You must realize I care about you deeply and will be looking forward to you visiting me on Palaven."
I gave a farewell hug to Miranda, then turned to my Inamorata. Excess moisture unexpectedly began gathering in my eyes at the thought of bidding her goodbye yet again; holding her in my arms made my heart ache. I did not care that others were observing us as I applied my lips to hers in an attempt to transfer as much love between us as I possibly could.
Surprisingly, Xiùlán made no attempt to get free from me until I was reluctantly ready to release her. "I love you so much, Xiùlán!" I breathed in her ear. "Please stay safe for me. I promise I will be free of my position as soon as possible. I want to travel to Shanghai with you … spend time with you." Voice hitching, I concluded with, "You are everything to me! Don't ever forget that."
The skin beside her eyes crinkled in a mixture of sad happiness. "I won't forget, Sà mi. After last night, I can honestly say …" She paused for a moment, apparently searching for the words; when she spoke again, it was in her native tongue. "Nín yijīng chéngwéi wo línghún de lìng yībàn! Rúguo xūyào, wo huì wèi nín ér si! [您已經成為我靈魂的另一半! 如果需要,我會為您而死!– You have become the other half of my soul! If needed, I will die for you!] She hugged me again, passionately. After several moments, she slowly, gently pushed back, kissed me again and moved to say farewell to the Spectre and her Lady.
Other than realizing she had made a promise to me, I hadn't understood a single word she had said, but it was important to her, of that I had no doubt. Without exception, her words in Mandarin carried great weight when directed at me; I always took them seriously.
I said my goodbyes to Shepard and Liara, secure in the knowledge that, if all else in this galaxy fell apart, I would always be welcome here. Ori and I boarded our shuttle, and were the last to depart the estate.
• IN TRANSIT, CHARON RELAY TO EARTH ORBIT · AT LARGE •
I had discussed with Oriana the need to keep my true position within the Broker organization a secret from General Park. "As far as she knows, I'm simply an employee of the Shadow Broker, the same as you. Learning of my true vocation would place her in the very same, untenable position in which Xiùlán now finds herself."
"I gather this woman is important to you," she said softly, as much a question as a statement.
"RaeLee Park has been a steadfast friend, ever since she presided as the adjudicator in our efforts to get Jason Joesiar dropped from the Ø7 program and discharged from the Alliance Navy in 2179."
Having the travel time from the Charon relay to Earth ahead of us, I settled back and told her about my first meeting with Xiùlán on Earth's moon. "She instructed me in self-defense and martial arts, while I instructed her in everything concerning computers and smart circuits. During that time, we assisted several of our Ø7 Program classmates in submitting formal complaints against Jason Joesiar; ultimately, these led to our group lieutenant requesting an official hearing to be administered by an adjudicator from Earth. The Alliance sent General Park."
I sighed while thinking back to that time in my life. "Just recently, I was made aware that not only was she the driving force behind the implementation of the Ø7 program, she was also its most vehement champion when the upper brass, led by Admiral Fletcher, demanded it be terminated."
With an understanding nod of her head, Ori observed, "That's why you've been so adamant that his collusion with Cerberus be exposed to public view."
I replied, "Not public view, necessarily, but certainly military view within the Alliance."
My attention was diverted to the control panel as the autopilot sounded a warning … we were close enough to Earth that I needed to contact approach control for a landing in Vancouver.
Temporarily retaking manual control, I concluded, "So, the less said regarding the Shadow Broker, the better for both of us. I really want to remain on good terms with RaeLee Park, and I've already had to lie to her about my status. Once was enough." After contacting approach control for traffic inbound to Western North America, I slaved the navicomputer to the provided Vancouver BC approach vector, then sat back to enjoy the entry and descent into atmo once again.
• OFFICE OF COMMANDER GARRETT SUTTON · HUMAN EMBASSIES, CITADEL •
Garrett Sutton looked up in irritation as a knock on his door was quickly followed by the appearance of his aide, Lieutenant Declan Powell. Sutton's irritation increased as he listened to the lieutenant's report. "She's disappeared, Commander! It's as if the earth opened up and swallowed her."
Sutton frowned. "So, you're telling me she simply vanished into thin air. Did she even get close to taking down her quarry?"
"I'm sorry, Sir, but no. Apparently, once our general was informed her life was in jeopardy, the number of Marines assigned to her personal guard was doubled shortly before the asset arrived in the city. It's quite likely that operational details of the mission were discovered and acted on before the asset even arrived on Earth." Declan looked at the datapad in his hand for a moment, then returned his gaze to the narrowed eyes of his commander. "Scuttlebutt on the ground there is buzzing that a small strike team may have grabbed the asset as they were setting up."
"A strike team? For God's sake, whose? Certainly not Alliance," Sutton said. "Was it the damned turians, or STG?"
Declan's reply was both surprising, and unwelcome. "Human team, Sir – mercs. Chatter I've been intercepting hints at involvement by the Shadow Broker, Sir."
"The Shadow Broker," Sutton repeated, his tone skeptical. "He didn't die during the war? Bastard was always looking into things that should have been beneath his notice."
Rising from his chair, he took a few steps to the cabinet against one wall, there to splash some brandy in a crystal tumbler. Taking a swallow as he slowly moved to again sit behind his desk, he mused as if to himself, "I really thought the war had put an end to him and his damned operation. Guess that was too much to hope for." He took another sip from his glass, then set it gently on the polished wood surface, cupped his hands around it and asked, "Is there no one in our intelligence community that can track this bastard down and eliminate him? Do we even know who he is? … or what race he is? Are there any clues as to where his operation is based?"
Lieutenant Powell slowly shook his head while responding with, "Many have tried to discover the answer to those questions. Human, turian, salarian, asari? No one has ever succeeded. The very business of successfully gathering reliable intelligence means there are a helluva lot of eyes and ears all over the galaxy, constantly watching and listening, Sir. Any who draw too close simply disappear, never to be heard from again."
Sutton tossed back the remainder of his brandy, set the glass on his desk, and thought about what Lieutenant Powell had told him. Not unlike the man and organization I formerly worked for, prior to and during the war. I wonder what it would actually take … what it would cost … to find and eliminate the Shadow Broker. Coming to a decision, he looked up at his aide and said, "Make a few discreet inquiries into our Vancouver problem, Declan. I need to know if there's any possibility of salvaging this situation."
Powell grinned slightly. "I'm on it, Sir." He started for the door, then paused and half-turned back. "Sir, what of the compensation?"
The commander leaned back in his chair, contemplating the query; after a few moments, he replied, "Until we have the results I paid for, it's in a secure account. The asset can't touch it until the contract is complete, so leave it … for now. We can always withdraw those creds later."
• SYSTEMS ALLIANCE WESTERN NORTH AMERICA HQ · VANCOUVER, BC •
As I had done previously, I contacted Alliance Approach Control when we were 200 klicks out, gave them the ident I had transmitted to RaeLee upon leaving Thessia, and requested an approach vector to the field. In short order, I had the UT-47 grounded in the designated parking space and everything shut down except the core … I was tired and would be even more so by the time we could leave, so didn't want to have to perform a cold-start when we were ready to leave for home.
No doubt due to the warning relayed by Amber Watson concerning a potential attempt on General Park's life, there were four very serious Marines wearing MP badging standing outside the shuttle when I opened the hatch. Their demeanor was certainly less than friendly as we stepped out of the craft, until the sergeant's face lit with recognition at seeing me once again. "Ms Traynor? Another visit so soon?" After I assured him it was really me, he continued with, "General Park said you and a friend were coming to meet with her; it's good to see you again. If you'll follow me, I'll escort you inside."
We fell into step behind the sergeant; with his three companions in trail, we were led into the by now familiar—to me, anyway—lobby for the hidden office suite where the General worked with a small staff. It'll be no time at all before her life becomes very busy, I mused as we stopped beside the reception counter. The sergeant nodded to me and Oriana as he said, "Please wait here, Ms Traynor. General Park will be right out."
The Marines seemingly vanished; in less than a minute, RaeLee Park came through the door beside the broad counter; as she had done during my previous visit, she walked right up and threw her arms around me in an enthusiastic greeting, which I happily returned. Pushing back, I held her arms while saying, "Really great to see you again, RaeLee."
She chuckled at the informality of my greeting. "You look just as gorgeous as you did during your last visit." Shifting her attention to Oriana, she smoothly continued, "And who is your lovely companion?"
"General Park, this is Oriana Lawson … Ori, this is General RaeLee Park." Park took the hand Ori offered and pumped it several times as I told her of Ori's association with my employer.
"Pleasure to meet you, Ms Lawson."
"Ori, if you please, General … very happy to meet you at last! Sammy holds you in very high esteem, Ma'am. She speaks of you often, and with a great deal of fondness."
Refocusing her attention on me, RaeLee queried, "You were quite mysterious when you called me. What did you need to discuss that you felt you couldn't say over normal channels?"
"Can we speak in your office, RaeLee? The info I need to share is rather sensitive."
General Park had known me long enough to accept I was extremely security conscious … often to the point of paranoia. "Certainly, Sammy. Follow me." She led us back through the door she had just come through, then down the passageway to her office suite. After asking her aide to hold all her calls, she ushered us into her private office; motioning for us to sit at the small conference table, she asked, "Coffee, or tea, for either of you?" I declined, as did Ori; Park sat down across from us and said, "Okay, Sammy, let's have it. What's so damned important you felt it necessary to visit me in person?"
"How much progress have you made in securing compensation for the loss of the Anixara?"
She sat back in surprise at hearing my question, then heaved a sigh as she admitted, "Very little, truth be known. I get the distinct impression people up the chain don't wish to be reminded of their failure to put a stop to that plan. It's been only a few weeks since my meeting with Vakarian on Thessia. The turians can't be getting impatient already … can they?"
Catching Ori's attention, I nodded minutely. With a nervous swallow, she looked directly at the general and said in a halting voice. "As Sammy has told you, General, we were just on Thessia. One of the reasons for our visit was to meet with Garrus Vakarian." The general's eyes widened slightly at Oriana's admission, who paused for several moments before continuing. "Among other things, Sammy hired me to assist in the search for a meaningful payback for the turians. She hated the idea that the Alliance should have to make reparations for the destruction of that ship, so wanted to see if we could discover a different source for a meaningful payback … a payback that could be purloined from credits stashed away by Cerberus, before and during the war."
RaeLee momentarily covered her mouth with her fist before dropping her arm. "That's incredible, Ori!" Fixing me with an intense gaze, she queried in a hopeful voice. "Sammy? Since you're here, after having just visited Vakarian, may I presume your search was successful?"
I nodded once, saying, "It was, General. Garrus is quite pleased this awful business has been brought to a successful conclusion. Him knowing the source of those credits? Just icing on the proverbial cake, as it were."
Her eyes glittered as she abruptly changed the subject, asking, "What of this damned assassin, Sammy? Who the hell wants me dead?"
"Credit trail for the contract leads back to Lieutenant Commander Garrett Sutton, Ma'am." As her jaw dropped, I asked, "Does that surprise you, RaeLee? It really shouldn't. Your single-minded advocacy for the continuation of the Ø7 program caused your bosses—some of whom were in Jack Harper's pockets—to hang a target on your back. Just another reason your efforts at obtaining compensation for the destruction of the MSV Anixara were doomed to failure." I chuckled as I concluded, "To this day, it's as if Admiral Fletcher is still whispering in their ears."
Park rose from her desk and strolled over to stand in front of the wide buffet on the far side of the room; she removed the glass stopper from a crystal decanter and splashed a measure of what looked to be a fine brandy in a matching tumbler. Glancing around to me, she grinned when I responded to her questioning look with a slight nod; she splashed an equal measure in two more tumblers, then brought the glasses to her desk. After handing one to each of us, she remained standing, crossed her legs one ankle over the other and leaned her butt against the edge of her desk.
Motioning with her own tumbler to each of us, she offered a toast. "Oriana … Samantha … to your very good health." Ori sipped hers and, not being used to drinking alcoholic beverages, made a face as she swallowed; I mirrored RaeLee in taking a hefty swig of the dark amber beverage, an action I immediately regretted as the fiery liquid burned its way down my esophagus. When I could once again speak, I croaked, "I should be offering that toast to you, General." I took a small sip and swallowed, then revealed, "For your own safety, and mine, I cannot divulge where I'm going or what I'll be doing after I leave here, General. We just stopped by to ensure you are taking precautions to keep yourself safe and protected."
I downed the remainder of the liquid in my glass, then rose from my chair. "Within a few days, Spectre Rachaél Shepard will be taking Garrett Sutton into custody … the Council will be charging him with a number of crimes, not the least of which is the destruction of MSV Anixara with the loss of everyone on board. I don't expect he will ever be able to breathe free air again."
Park chuckled, saying, "An outcome you have desired for a very long time." She stood away from her desk and hugged me. "Stay safe out there, Samantha. Don't get yourself killed trying to set things right. Nothing Cerberus, Garrett Sutton or Owen Fletcher did is even close to being worth your life … not to me." She looked to Oriana. Taking her hand, she bid us both farewell, saying, "Do what you can to keep this girl safe, Ori."
"I intend to do just that, General. It was great meeting you."
