Samara

Humans were curious creatures. I moved in response to two krogan that requested a sparring match, and even though most of my attention was on watching the commander, neither were able to land a blow against me.

Sometimes spending a couple centuries as a dancer has greater benefits.

Laryna had an impressive match against another human biotic, followed quickly by the less powerful but equally imposing drell. It was the first time I got to see her in action in less restricting circumstances, having not been able to attend her in the search of the information I needed to hunt my query. We haven't spoken much, but I have spoken with her diverse crew, and everyone spoke well of the human warrior.

After defeating my opponents, I watched the match between our hosting krogan warlord and my new turian team member. They were fine examples of their species. If I were four hundred years younger, I would have happily taken either, or both, of them to my bed. Perhaps if I had been more into mating with other species back then, I wouldn't have subjected my daughters to the fate of the physically lonely.

I forced myself to change the direction of my thoughts. I study the human commander again. She was lovely. Lithe and well built, with bright green eyes and rich brown hair. Her cheeks flushed as Garrus bumped her shoulder, and the krogan Wrex laughed. The history between the three was clear, an ease only the familiar can achieve. The small quarian joined them, throwing herself onto the back of the krogan with pealing laughter, which was quickly taken up by the others in the small group.

It was a moving sight. Not often does one see such an affectionate display of different species, especially outside of asari space. My people consider themselves the reason the galaxy was able to hold together in what peace there is, with our natural beauty and abilities to breed with anyone and the wisdom that comes from our extended years in comparison to all others beside krogan. Seeing Laryna over just the course of today, I was quickly revising my own views. She was still young even by human standards, and has gained a level of understanding and people skills that many asari would envy.

She spotted me then, and with a parting smile, walked over to where I was observing.

"Samara," Laryna said brightly, an easy smile on her lips. I inclined my head, offering a gentle smile in return. "I wanted to check in."

"I am always happy to talk to you," I replied.

Her smile went from auto to more pure, and she nodded her head towards a more secluded spot. "I'm interested in hearing more about asari justicars."

It was an unsurprising request. I ease myself onto the ground, crossing my legs and gestured to the space next to me. Laryna follows suit. "We hold a unique place in asari culture," I started thoughtfully. "Justicars are from another era. Young asari grow up watching vids about our adventures. Pure fiction, of course. Some asari are uncomfortable with us, but so few justicars exist most have never met one."

"There are only a few justicars?" she asked.

I looked away, staring into the wastes where the others were practicing and building bonds. "Few asari wish to make the sacrifices necessary to become one of us. And the training has a high casualty rate. It is a life of constant danger. Throughout the entire galaxy, there are only a handful of us at any time."

Laryna shrugged, and I remembered one of the crew telling me about her N7 training, which apparently is pretty intense. "Why would anyone want to be a justicar?" she inquired, redoing the laces on her boots. Was she nervous?
Bowing my head, I watched her fingers manipulate the laces, trying to find the words that wouldn't feel awkward or reveal to much, but nothing was coming to mind. "It is a deeply personal matter," I finally replied. "Sometimes the most brutal path is the only honest one."

It was hardly a satisfying response, but she didn't push. "This Code of the Justicar seems central to your life," Laryna said, drawing her knees up to her chest now, lean arms wrapping around her legs as she continued to study me.

I smiled, unable to hide my amusement. "It is five thousand sutras, and covers every situation one can encounter. I have memorized every word. There is only the Code."

My words seemed to bother her. "Sometimes justice calls for mercy," she said softly, carefully. She likely was trying to avoid offending me. And I have heard many stories about the woman, and her very moral high ground. Her crew did love to talk.

"It does not exist to bring about spiritual enlightenment," I told her, meeting her eyes. "Its purpose is to punish the wicked and protect the innocent." It doesn't allow for feelings, and I could tell that the commander was a very emotional person. She bares my Code of Service, but she would never be able to carry the Code itself.

I doubt any non-asari could.

"The asari I've spoken to seem conflicted about justicars," Laryna stated after a moment.

"In this age, people see shades of gray everywhere," I said in agreement, and I saw a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "The Code of the Justicar is black and white. I might seem a hero to many, but I would kill all of them if I had to."

Laryna sighed, resting her chin on her knees. I could tell she was keeping a tight reign on herself. I wonder what made her do so. I had spent much time last night speaking with Miranda about the commander, and she wasn't usually one to shy from conflict of any kind. Have I earned some kind of respect in the short time I've known her that was strong enough for her to hold her tongue?

"What role do you think justicars have in asari society?" she finally asked.

"I would say that the closest human equivalent is a knight errant, in your medieval lore," I said with a smile. "Perhaps mixed with a bit of Samurai."

"You know about knights errant and Samurai?"

"When I knew I must leave asari space again, I studied the history and morals of new species," I admitted, watching Garrus teach Tali some hand to hand moves instead of looking at commander. It's not often I feel embarrassed. "When I was a maiden wandering the galaxy, humans had not yet arrived."

"What did your studies tell you about us?" she asked, curious.

Another large smile came to my face; I can't remember the last time I've smiled so much. "You are more individualistic than any other species I have encountered. If three humans are in a room, there will be six opinions. I like your species; I am curious to see what you will do."

She laughed, conceding the point. She tilts her head, and clears her throat. "Does the Code forbid romantic involvement?"

"It does not," I reply. "However, I would never be interested in such. That part of my life is well behind me." It was why I decided to stay behind from the welcoming ceremony the night before; I didn't want to risk offending our hosts. And krogan were drawn to asari, since we can breed regardless of the genophage, and I didn't want to have to turn some poor soul away if I can avoid it.

"You could meet someone who reawakens those desires," Laryna stated.

"I am nearly one thousand years old," I supplied, searching her face for the meaning between her inquires. "I know myself and my desires." And I allowed a sly smile to spread across my lips. "But your curiosity is quite welcome." Her skin reddens.

"What does your code say about killing?" she quickly asks.

It was successful to somber the mood. "I am compelled to kill the wicked. If a justicar is involved, peaceful solutions are long past."

"You make killing sound so casual."

I close my eyes, seeing faces from endless years dance in the void of my mind. "I remember each being I have slain. They are always in my thoughts. My time meditating is as much to maintain control of myself as to give time to the lives I have taken, no matter how necessary." I open my eyes again and study the young woman. "I'd be happy to show you how, and teach you how to fine tune your biotics."

"That would be great, Samara," Laryna breathed. "When would be good for you?"

"We can do our first session tonight, after the trails of the day, if you are agreeable."

Laryna

The day long sparring sessions went very well. Everyone got in multiple pairings or personalized training in defense. Wrex stayed the entire time, displaying leadership skills that made my head spin when I compared it to the krogan I knew over two years ago. I still had a hard time coming to terms with how much my people had grown and developed without me, and I couldn't help the mental exercise on how much quicker we may have brought down Saren if these versions of my ground team were behind me, and even my own upgraded self.

Hopefully it'll give us the edge we need against the Collectors.

Garrus approached me near the end of the day, and simply jerked his thumb over his shoulder towards the wastes. I nodded my acceptance, and we strolled side by side to an open space.

"How do you want to play this?" I asked casually, starting my stretching.

"I want you to come at me as if we were enemies," Garrus replied, tapping his visor to change its settings. I blinked at him in surprise.

"Why?"

"Trust me, it'll help," he simply stated, and I let it go for now. I eyed him carefully, forcing my mind to view him differently. Not as the man who has had my back for years, and recently became my lover, but as someone I needed to bring down at any cost. I slowly went through each vulnerability I knew of turians, my advantages and disadvantages.

"Your biotics, too," Garrus stated after a moment. I blink at him again, but didn't comment, only nod. My mental strategies quickly changed. "Ready?"

"Yes," I answered, my barrier instantly covering my body. He smirked, clearly pleased that I was taking his request seriously, and shifted into his stance. He even had left his shirt on, not even providing a visual disadvantage. We studied each other for a long moment, just as we had the first time we sparred. That had been more playful, almost foreplay, our first night together looming in the future in both of our minds. Now we both had a more in depth, carnal knowledge of each other, our understanding deepened, even as new as it was.

Garrus attacked first. I'm not sure if it's because he is able to complete his analysis faster than I, or if he just feels more in control forcing a response. I parried his blow and countered, barely feeling the impact on his plates because of my barrier. I instinctively put some distance between us after I managed to stagger him, just as I would against any opponent that was physically stronger than I. I quickly tossed a singularity at him as I moved, and even though Garrus attempted to roll out of the way, he was caught up on the edges of its effects.

I cursed. Normally now is when I would follow up with a warp for a denotation combo, but without his armor, it would surely kill him. I allowed one to form in my hand and walked over slowly. "And you're dead," I said firmly as he dangled. Garrus sighs and nods. I allowed the warp to fade and drop the singularity as well. Landing heavily on his feet, he scratches the back of his neck, a sheepish look on his face. "You may have survived with armor," I added, and he chuckled.

"Maybe," he allowed. "Still wasn't expecting you to overpower me so quickly. I really don't have much defense against biotics."

"It's mostly about becoming use to the effects," I reply. "At least, for a non biotic. The more familiar your cells are at the experience, the more tolerance they can develop. That's assuming you don't die before getting to that stage."

He nods, his eyes thoughtful. "Can you help me with that?"

"My biotics are still fairly unstable," I reply, shaking my head. "Until I get a better grip on them, you'd be better off asking anyone else but Jack. She has the same issues I do, and no interest in changing that." I take up a defensive position. "Another round, no outward biotics?"

"Sure," he agreed. I throw up another barrier and we started again. Garrus may not be quite as graceful or as swift as Thane, but he was still quick and a lot more powerful. As strong as a krogan in short encounters, and still much stronger than a human in longer ones. Without my biotics or a weapon, I would be finished the moment he would manage to catch me. Luckily for humanity, turians prefer their armor and guns, and gave us the chance to put up a decent defensive during first contact, and I wasn't going to give up my advantages in this one on one.

It was still hard fighting Garrus while finding ways to "kill" him. It didn't help that he has studied me on the battlefield for countless missions, and I'm sure has watched me with his keen eyes in my other sparring matches, so I wasn't able to find much to catch him by surprise. I could force him back with biotic bursts, but without being able to follow up with warps or other outward attacks, he was able to resist.

With a collection of new bruises, we decided to call it. He pulls me into his arms, his face in its usual place in my hair. "Tiebreaker?"

"Technically I came out better of two," I teased, kissing his neck. He chuckled, not denying it. "And maybe later. Samara has offered to show me how to meditate tonight. It should go a long ways in helping me learn more subtle control. It's not something I have ever really gotten the hang of. It's about time I worked on mastering it."

"I would be inclined to argue since it's cutting into naked time," Garrus grumbled, his hands running over my backside slowly.

"What if I told you it would lead to some incredible naked time at a later date?" I purred, running my hands down his carapace and across the plates of his lower ribs. "And also help me fulfill your request for biotic resistance building?"

"Biotics during sex?" Garrus asked, sounding confused. I shivered at the memory, and he chuckled. "That good, huh? I guess I'd be willing to try it."

"Once I've got proper control," I clarified. "Unless you want to take Thane up on his possible offer. Actually, he'd likely be the best one to go to in the meantime if you want biotic exposure before I'm ready."

"How long do you think that'll be?"

I shrug. "No idea. Maybe after tonight, I'll have a better idea. Right now, I need some food, and I'm sure everyone else is as hungry. I had best get started in on dinner."

"Commander Shepard, Normandy mother," he teased, and I elbowed him in the side. Garrus barked out a laugh, and promptly hauled me off my feet and over a shoulder. I let out a yelp and grabbed hold of his back plates.

"Is this necessary?" I breathed as he started walking towards the barracks.

"Definitely," he chuckled, giving my rear a playful slap as a few people whistled as he strolled by. I silently fumed as he carried me, not willing to give him the satisfaction of attempting to escape in front of everyone. He ended up hauling me all the way to our makeshift kitchen, and he sits me down on the table, looking pleased with himself. I cross my legs and regarded him calmly, allowing the silence to stretch. Finally he started to rub the back of his neck nervously. "Too far?"

"Too far," I agreed. "If we were on the Normandy, I wouldn't care as much, but I do need to save some face in front of our hosts. Save the manhandling for my cabin, please."

Garrus nervously clears his throat. "Yes, ma'am. Uh, won't happen again."

Caving, I lean forward and give him kiss on his mandible. "I believe you." He rumbles in his chest and cups my face in his hands, rubbing first his forehead to mine and then the rest of my face. It was so affectionate. I close my eyes and melted into the attention.

"Are you sure the crew can't fend for themselves?" Garrus asked, as he went from tender rubbing to teasing licks along my neck.

"Garrus," I sighed. "We'd be in the same situation as we were out in the wastes. There isn't any real privacy here. Staying quiet is...hard. And I have responsibilities towards everyone else as well. We can't spend every night having sex."

"I completely disagree," Garrus growled. "Quiet sex just takes practice, like anything else. We've all been through it in basic. If you're willing to agree to at least that, I suppose I can at least stop trying to seduce you during the day. That way the rest of the crew can have their time with you as well."

"We'll wear out eventually."

"Maybe. I'm more than happy to see where our limits are," he purred. I laughed and nodded my agreement. "Good." He seals the deal with a deep kiss. "Now do what you have to do, so we can go retire to our room."

I hop down from the table. "It shouldn't take me long. It's not like I can do anything fancy. What are you in the mood for?"

"Don't worry about the dextro stuff," Garrus said, digging through the clearly marked crate. "I'll handle something for Tali and I. As you said, it's not like there's anything fancy to be done." I chuckled and started pulling out cans and bags for one of the per-determined meals I had planned. We talked over team make ups for tomorrow and ground rules while we worked. It was nice to make plans with someone, bouncing ideas and random thoughts instead of just following back on my own judgment. And his ideas were good; this was just the kind of stuff he did while leading his own team. In this, he had the more experience, and I was eager to learn. I haven't had to deal with anything as similar since Elysium. Feels like a lifetime ago.

People started filing in from outside over the next hour, and I had plenty of hands eager to help in hopes of getting something in their stomachs faster. Wrex took pity on my supplies and took his krogan back to their camp, promising to be back tomorrow afternoon, likely with more krogan. I made sure to spend some time speaking to everyone as we ate, adsorbing their inputs and concerns while offering and accepting advice.

"Laryna," Jack called almost hesitantly as I was preparing to leave with Samara. I turned and lifted a brow. She walked over, and while her eyes darted over to a corner further away from everyone else, stood her ground. "Look...about earlier. It's just bullshit. It's not like I'm calling you a lair, understand? I would rather just not believe it. But I'll be ready. Count on it." And with more dignified grace than I'm sure I would have been able to pull off if our roles were reversed, went upstairs.

All I could do was grin at her retreating back.

I met with my asari justicar outside, and she nodded her head upwards, and with practiced ease, used her biotics to lift herself slowly up to the roof. I watched, more than a little envious. I followed the only way I knew how, using a surge of energy to launch myself into the air. I managed enough control not to overshoot the roof to much, and I landed heavily on my feet. Samara gave me a tolerant smile, and with a wave of her hand, we made our way to the center of the space and sat down.

"I have been discussing with Miranda about your biotics," she started. "For asari, it's a natural part of who we are. As far as we know, we have always had the ability. We don't require implants to maintain control, and every cell of our beings radiate with its power. Your implants and their connecting nodes spreads the eezo throughout your body more powerfully than what you have been born with, and makes control difficult, yes?"

I nodded my confirmation. "I didn't have much flare with it even before being rebuilt. I was just trained to use it as a weapon, and had no time to attempt to learn to use it for anything else."

"Your custom implant does wonders for you in the pure power department. I watched your match with Jack today; even knowing what the two of you have been through, I never would have thought humans would have been able to gain such levels so quickly. Your race hasn't been exposed to eezo for long, but you seem to be very adaptive to it. It will be interesting to see how powerful your people will become in the future."

Yes, I have wandered that myself. I was born shortly after the First Contact War, where my mother was exposed. Biotics, like myself, started being born instantly. No long term exposure for the species as a whole for it to work itself into our genetic make up for them to start appearing. Other races, like turians, who have been around eezo exposure for thousands of years longer, still don't see many biotics among their kin. What will humans be like, in even a couple hundred years?

"The techniques I'm going to show you are asari, but I'm sure the similarities between our races will make understanding the necessary reactions reliable. Now, close your eyes. Picture in your mind your biotic energy. Most see it just like a warp, or a singularity. Do you see it?" She worked with me in creating the perfect mental image that I was comfortable with, and when she had me fluctuate the glowing ball of energy in my mind, I could feel my own biotics respond in my body. I had it shrink down to the size of a pebble, and my power has never felt so tranquil, and when she had me expand it so large it overflowed my mind's eye, causing my aura to flare almost painfully. My body shivered with the effort.

"You have better control than I thought," Samara mused. "Please, contain your energy to something comfortable, but still active, and open your eyes."

I let out a long breath while allowing my power to fade slowly until it was where I usually kept it at during combat, its warmth comforting along my skin, and I opened my eyes. I met Samara's, which were glazed over in white brightness, and I marveled at how lovely it made her face.

"You're an admiral student, Commander," she praised, and I smiled shyly. She brought up her hands, like I've seen her do on the Normandy, and a small orb formed between her hands again. "Extend your aura gently out towards me." I bit my lip slightly and started to amp up my power to increase my aura. "No. You don't need to power up to extend yourself. Your aura is just like the image of your energy you created in your mind. Only this time, you'll be increasing the size without it increasing in power. You will keep the two separate from each other."

Frowning, I struggled with pairing the concept with the action. Huffs of air kept escaping my lips as I had to keep pulling my energy back, and I could feel some sweat roll down the back of my neck. I physically felt like I was on the field again, sparring with Jack.

I wouldn't give up, and Samara continued to let me work at my control. I knew this first level of control was going to be central to everything else that followed, and I had to find that balance on my own or anything else I did wouldn't be as defined as I wanted, which would lead to mistakes.

Darkness had completely fallen by the time I was finally able to achieve my goal. I had my biotic energy locked at battle ready, but I had my aura extended out to engulf my justicar. I could see my energy spark along her exposed skin, and a smile came to her face, clearly pleased.

"Very good. I think that'll be all for tonight."

Both of our biotics faded at her words, and I couldn't help a shuttering sigh of exhaustion. I shamelessly fell backwards, stretching myself on the dusty roof. "And here I thought I'd be spending my time half asleep."

Samara smiled, amused. "In time, you will find it relaxing and refreshing. It's a good way to rest if sleep eludes you. I would like to continue this tomorrow night."

"I would like that," I replied. "Thank you."

Most of the others had retired to their quarters when we made our way back inside. I made my good nights to Samara and anyone else I ran into as I climbed the stairs to the second level. I opened the door to my room quietly, not wanting to wake up Garrus if he were asleep already. He looked up from where he was studying a datapad, and we grinned at each other.

"So how did that go?" he asked, swinging his long legs so he sat on the edge of his cot, tossing the pad towards the small table in the corner.

"I feel like I just completed a mission," I said honestly, dragging my bag from out under my cot and unzipping it. I dug around until I found some of my energy bars, devouring two in under a minute. "I started off strong, and then it got a lot harder. Really hoping to have a better grip on my biotics by the time we leave Tuchanka." I quickly strip out of everything, tossing the dirty clothes into a separate bag.

Garrus hummed his understanding. "So I suppose I'll have to wait a little longer on your biotic sex tease?" I half laughed, half sighed while he grinned at me.

"Never pinged you for a sex fiend, Garrus," I said in mock despair.

He chuckled, leaning forward and slowly ran a talon down the side of my left thigh. "I'm perfectly capable of suppressing the urge. I just don't like too." Then he straightens up, resting his hands on his own knees. "Regardless, I can cut it back if it bothers you, or if you can't handle the frequency. It's meant to be pleasurable and reduce stress, not had to it."

I smirked, shaking my head. "If it weren't for my upgrades, I would be putting my foot down in this case. You're lucky I recover from all sorts of bodily punishment as quickly as I do."

Returning my smirk, he leans back into his cot. "I'll happily send Miranda a thank you note." Then his eyes got more serious. "Really, though. I don't want to cross any boundaries."

I waved off his concerns. "Don't worry, big guy. I'm thoroughly enjoying myself. As long as it doesn't cause us to lose focus and endanger the mission, I'm more than happy to play with you." I give him my best reassuring smile. "I'm just not use to it. I haven't had so much sex since I was a teenager. I've never had a steady boyfriend, ever. And I don't have a lot of experience growing so close to someone before sharing a bed with them. Everything is new right now, unknown. Stacking with other unknowns." His mandibles fell. "At least this one is exciting," I quickly added.

Garrus nodded, thoughtful. Of course, the deepest truth I didn't feel safe in sharing: that I craved his touch so much to the point of distraction because I was in love with him. And I'd be damned if I forced him into anything before he had the chance to figure out his own feelings, or the possible long term effects of staying my mate.

Huh, my mate. It does sound better than boyfriend. More personal.

A yawn escapes me then, and I stretched my hands high above my head while balancing on my toes and slightly twisting my waist, trying to ease as much tension in a single moment as I could. Garrus gave me an amused look and pats my cot. I turn off the lamp on the table and I carefully climb over his legs and spread out on the rough surface, laying on my side so I faced him. Slowly he leans forward, trailing his face from my shoulder to my ear while his hand started just behind my knee and made its way slowly up my thigh to under the back of my tank to spread against the skin of my lower back.

Even as tired as I was, desire flooded me. I sighed contently against his bandages, my hands coming up to run over his plates, tracing the spaces in between. His scent was mixed with the oil, metal, dirt and sweat of the past two days, and it suited him. I found myself licking a path along his carapace while my hands teased any soft skin I could find.

"Spirits," Garrus groaned. "Now would be the time to stop if you're not up for this…" I trail my fingers firmly along his fringe, and his words faded into a deep growl and rumble of pure lust. His pants were quickly pushed down to around his knees and he bodily hauls me on top of him, his hard cock pressing against my cheeks. I lean forward and kiss him, out tongues fighting for control before dulling back to more gentle caresses.

As we continued to explore each others mouths, his hands grab my ass firmly. Slowly Garrus lifts me up, shift his hips slightly, and eases me down on top of him. I groan into his mouth. It was a good thing he was still completely slick, because I wasn't quite there yet. And my mind strayed for a moment, knowing that this was closer to what turian sex was like.

"This is the part where we should probably keep it down," Garrus grunted, and I allowed a low, breathless laugh. He started to slowly thrust up into me, coaching my body into higher arousal, his hands guiding my hips at the pace he wanted. He usually didn't go so slow when he was charge, even when he wasn't trying to make me scream his name. But his pace remained even, intoxicating, his chest vibrating with his pleased purring under my hands. My build up so slow and teasing, climbing in a no hurry manner in his care. When he suddenly came inside me, the only signs was the sudden swelling of his cock, the hot pressure, and the hitch in his breathing, he didn't break pace.

"Garrus," I whispered, my arousal only increasing as I felt his cum running down the insides of my thighs. I could feel my muscles tightening around him.

"Ryna," he moaned gently back. "Spirits, you feel so good. I could fuck you like this all night."

I couldn't help but smile. "I'd likely end up falling asleep on you," I warned.

He smiles back. "And I'm okay with that, as long as you don't mind that I would likely be incapable of stopping." We both chuckle, and the laughter vibrated through my body strongly enough to make me clinch around him, quickly turning the soft mirth into softer moans. I finally came not long after, needing to hold my breath again to keep from crying out. It was enough for my turian to finally start picking up his own pace, the need to find his release again clear in his actions. When he finally climaxes, and I collapse along his chest, does he finally slow down and eventually stop after riding out the aftershocks.

A few minutes passed before I had the strength to move, though with the lazy trails I felt over my ass and lower back, Garrus wasn't in any hurry for me to get off. I gently kiss his neck, not trusting myself to support my weight on my arms to reach his mouth, and unceremoniously roll off him onto my own cot. He laughed and I gave him a sheepish grin.

"Night, babe," I said around another yawn, pulling my blanket over my body.

"Night, Ryna."