Notes:

Amantia - lover (Thessian)

FTL - Faster Than Light travel

Kepesh-Yakshi - Complicated, military-themed game that vaguely resembles 3D-chess in space; literally "Blade of the Night Winds" (Thessian)

Siame - "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian/Source: CDN)

Illusions of Peace

VIP-1, Nimbus Cluster, At Large – 23 Dec 2188

The VIP-1, even though it was nearly as large overall as the Aletheia, still felt a bit crowded to Samantha Traynor, as she had grown accustomed to working – and sleeping – on the roomier Knight Shade… not that she would ever complain about her accommodations. As long as she was on the same ship as Riana, she was more than content. Having spent so much time with her Asari lover and in the company of the commandos – her new sisters – employed by House T'Soni, Sammi was beginning to believe that the goddess Athame was somewhat responsible for the direction her own life had taken since the war's conclusion.

Traynor gazed about her as she sat with Riana in one of the lounge chairs; her many sisters were all standing or sitting in the lounge, speaking quietly among themselves… muted conversations occasionally punctuated by a burst of happy laughter. She leaned her head on the leather-clad shoulder beside her and sighed in happiness. This is where I belong.

Spectre Shepard and Lady Liara had decided to accompany Riana and Sammi on their trip to the monastery on Lesuss; while the pair were visiting with Riana's sister Aresia and Samara's daughter Falere, Shepard and Liara would pay a visit to the Headmistress, Matriarch Tela T'Sori. After giving the matter a bit of thought, Sammi had decided that getting to know Aresia would be a good thing… that the Asari locked members of their race away simply because they might be a problem was abhorrent to her.

Ri had explained that it was a necessary precaution, as a mating-meld with any Asari carrying the genetic condition always resulted in hemorrhaging in the victim's brain, with death ultimately resulting in extreme cases. For those Ardat-Yakshi who did not spend at least some time at the Monastery learning to control their sexual desires, it could evolve into an addiction; every time they completed a mating meld, the Ardat-Yakshi would become smarter, stronger, and more lethal after each encounter… and the need to enter the mating meld became a deadly, irresistible hunger, even though the condition rendered them unable to produce children.

During the relatively short FTL trip from Pelion to Mesana, Traynor asked her Amantia questions regarding the people carrying the trait. "Is there anything to worry about from casual contact? A hug, for instance?"

"No, Sammi, you need not worry on that account. Neither maiden will attempt to initiate a meld with you… to do such would violate the very reason they choose to sequester themselves." Riana smiled encouragingly and continued, "I would begin with the standard Asari greeting and then, depending on if the day goes well and it feels right, hug them upon departure."

Traynor felt the heat in her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Ri. I really do want to ignore their potential to hurt me; I think that hugging people that are close to you helps put them at ease around me."

Riana grinned. "They are aware you are my siame. That a Human could fall in love with me did not surprise Aresia. That I could fall madly in love with a Human… in love with you so soon after Ryati's passing? That did surprise her… surprised both of them, actually… yet each has previously told me that your unprompted decision to leave your career and follow me to Thessia has already endeared you to them, even without having yet met you."

Traynor was smirking as she asked, "And, I'm sure, you've never said anything to them that would encourage them to feel that way, now, did you?" Her expression shifted suddenly as a less pleasant thought crossed her mind. "I feel sorry for them; having to spend an entire lifetime in celibacy is certainly not something I would enjoy, and I'm only looking at another century of living. A millennium?" Traynor frowned at the concept. "I think that would be tough to accept."

"The monastery is a place for meditation, Sammi… self-contemplation." Her face took on an air of gravitas as she continued, "I don't believe Asari society will ever allow Ardat-Yakshi to live freely away from a controlled environment. Most cannot think of the mutation without equating it with melding as part of physical pleasure; unfortunately, it takes an extremely exceptional mental fortitude, found in only a miniscule few, to resist the mind of an Ardat-Yakshi during a forced meld… something which even the Ardat-Yakshi cannot control, except by having the self-discipline to not begin a meld in the first place. That is what they learn at the monastery."

"Sounds awful, Ri." Traynor shook her head in consternation. "I find it hard to believe, with all our technology and genetic therapies, that the Asari haven't found a solution. Honestly? Is there nothing that can be done to help them?"

"As of yet, there is no cure… only abstinence… and isolation, at least until they learn to control their lethal urges. Their victims seemingly experience euphoria far beyond what one perceives during a normal meld, such as what you experience with me. Their minds are overpowered… dominated… and, ultimately, their brains begin hemorrhaging. If the meld is interrupted at that point, the victim may survive, but with lifelong effects similar to a massive stroke. Unfortunately, the routine way such a meld is terminated is only by the victim's death."

Their discussion was interrupted by pilot Lusmeni Thoni's voice drifting from the overhead speakers, requesting that everyone prepare for atmospheric entry to Lesuss. Those commandos still standing around in the lounge took their seats and strapped themselves in for landing; they had arrived.

Lesuss Monastery, Mesana System, Nimbus Cluster – 23 Dec 2188

"Riana!" Aresia Iregos walked briskly up to her big sister and wrapped her in a loving hug, which Riana returned just as enthusiastically.

"How have you been, Rez?" she asked, eschewing the private nickname of 'Squirt' for her younger sibling. "Goddess! It feels good to hold you again!" Blinking back the tears of joy that always accompanied any meeting with Aresia, Riana slipped her hands to her sister's shoulders and pushed back a bit. "Let me look at you!"

"Not much to see, Sis. Still the same ol' me." Aresia's grin rivalled a small sun. Turning, she reached out a hand for Falere, who slowly came alongside her friend to also greet Riana; after a big hug, Riana placed an arm around Sammi's back and pulled the woman into her side.

"I'm sure you both remember me telling you of Samantha Traynor? We met during the Reaper War… when I accompanied my mistress on the Normandy."

Neither had actually met Sammi prior to this day and, as Riana's sister, Aresia moved first to stand in front of the Human. With her hands out in the traditional manner, she looked into a pair of eyes very similar in appearance to Riana's. "I am honored to meet you, Samantha Traynor. That you chose to leave your career to follow my sister is a bit surprising… and telling, as to the strength of your bond."

In response, Traynor gently placed her palms on Aresia's and whispered, "Please, call me Sammi… and it wasn't really a choice. By war's end, Riana had become everything to me. Being separated from her for the two weeks it took to get the Arcturus relay operational and return to Earth were the worst days of my life. I love her with every fiber of my being." Dropping her hands, she gazed intently at Aresia as she concluded, "Serving in the Alliance Navy without Riana's presence close by would have taken all the joy from my life."

Aresia nodded in understanding, saying, "I can see the truth of your words in your eyes, Sammi." Glancing at her sister, she asked, "Would it surprise you to learn Riana has expressed similar feelings concerning you?"

"Aresia!" Riana smiled good-naturally at her sister. Sammi looked at her amantia for a moment before responding, "She tells me so every day, so no… it does not surprise me in the least."

Sammi turned to Falere; raising her hands, she said, "I am honored to meet you as well, Falere. As I told Aresia, please, call me Sammi."

Falere gently placed her hands on Traynor's, her touch reminding Sammi of smoky satin on her palms and fingers. "I am pleased to finally meet you, Ms Traynor… Sammi. Aresia tells me you were on the Normandy during Shepard's and Lady Liara's visit here during the war, and that you are now employed by House T'Soni."

"Yes, I am, and I thank my good fortune that Spectre Shepard and Lady Liara assigned me a position on the same vessel as Riana." Wrapping an arm around Riana's waist once again, her smile widened into a genuine grin. "Falling in love with this beautiful soul has been an incredible blessing for me. It is something I will never take for granted."

Falere nodded her understanding, saying, "It was the goddess that blessed you, Sammi… and Riana. Hold onto that love forever. Nothing in your life will ever be more important.

With eyes twinkling in happiness, she grabbed Sammi's free hand and said, "Come… I will show you where we… my sisters and I… live. We have made incredible progress in reclaiming some of that which the Reapers took from us."

"Lead the way, Falere," Sammi happily replied.

Office of the Headmistress, Lesuss Monastery, Mesana System – 23 Dec 2188

"Lady Liara! Spectre Shepard!" Matriarch Tela rose quickly from the seated position behind her desk and gracefully moved to greet them. "It is so good to see you again! Goddess, a lot has happened since we last spoke!"

Placing her hands upon those offered by the matriarch, Liara looked chagrined as she responded, "Yes. It has been more than a year and, for that, I apologize. Being out of touch for such a long period is unforgiveable."

The headmistress shook her head in dismissal. "Do not worry yourself over such a trivial thing; we have all been extremely busy… Congratulations, by the way, on your bonding!" Her face took on an earnest smile as she continued, "And you, Shepard, on your successful bid to become a Thessian citizen; both of which are delightful and welcome developments!"

"You are much too kind, Matriarch." Liara smiled softly. "My mother would be of an entirely different opinion over such a transgression of etiquette."

"Only because your mother was an entirely different type of Asari than you are, Liara dear. She was from an earlier age, when rigid formality was expected of all." Tela sighed at the memory of Benezia's loss. "Your mother was truly a beacon of leadership, even if our lives were much less complicated back then, before the Reapers began to wake; a time when we knew what type of behavior was expected. Our troubles truly began with Saren Arterius and the discovery of the first Reaper artifacts. Much has changed in the relatively short period of time since then."

Shepard nodded in agreement. "It certainly has… and, given the final outcome of forever ridding the galaxy of the Reapers, I would have to say that change has been generally for the better." Her gaze landed on Liara, which immediately brought a loving smile to her face, at which point Matriarch Tela let loose a joyful laugh.

"I can see your point, Shepard." She grinned at the couple before her. "As such, let us focus on our future, instead of the past. I would love to give you both a tour, to show you all we have accomplished in the past year, as we walk and speak about our progress and where we are headed."

"Sounds like an excellent idea, Matriarch." Liara easily shifted from the initial pleasantries into work mode. "How is the staff faring? Are you satisfied with those we selected for you?"

"For the most part, yes." Tela sighed. "We did have to release Trasmeni Ironi. For all her good intentions, she was ill-suited to deal with the issues of the Ardat-Yakshi; she could not get past her fear of the residents… which made it impossible for her to teach meditation. It is difficult to demonstrate technique and find serenity when you are afraid to close your eyes in their presence." The matriarch suddenly smiled as she added, "But her replacement, Alicia Tralis? Positively wonderful!"

"That surprises me… that Trasmeni's fear was not discovered during the interviews, no matter how rushed they may have been." Shepard frowned. "How did she slip through?"

"She did not 'slip through,' as you say. Even while we were on our way here, she exhibited no reluctance." Tela shook her head and added sadly, "Only when we began to meet the residents of this monastery did it become apparent. I do not believe she knew of her phobia until directly confronted by her first Ardat-Yakshi, in the flesh. After three weeks of gradual orientation and habituation, absolutely nothing had changed and she came to me, crying over her weakness and pleading to be released from service. I had no option but to grant her request."

They had stepped out the door into the sunshine of the courtyard and Liara exclaimed loudly in surprise, "By the Goddess! Your gardens are beautiful!"

"They are not mine," Tela said with a glowing smile. "They were already well underway by the time I and the rest of the staff finally arrived. The students were on their own and did everything necessary to get the gardens all started again after the Reaper attack. Apparently, the supplies you arranged included all the seeds, as well as the necessary tools, to grow what they needed."

"I had little to do with it," Liara denied. "I placed the whole project into the capable hands of Miranda Lawson and Judea Voni."

"And I've seen a very similar set-up before." Shepard studied the grounds with a practiced eye. "The equipment appears to be pretty close to what Humans refer to as a standard agricultural colonization package." Her attention shifted to the matriarch. "My guess is Miranda provided the list and Judea converted it to the Asari equivalents. They did exceptionally well under the circumstances… on both the gardens and the reconstruction."

As they walked the grounds, several of the original survivors recognized the guests and stopped them during their tour, to offer their greetings and to thank them yet again for coming to their aid when no others would. Being her typical self, Shepard simply waved off the thanks, saying, "We only did what was necessary… but we didn't get here soon enough. We should have saved more of your sisters."

"I believed that once…" Falere's familiar voice came in unexpectedly from the side as she, Aresia, Sammi and Riana joined the assembly. A tense silence blanketed the group as Shepard turned toward the speaker, who then dipped her head and continued, "But I was wrong. The Reaper War answered to no one's timeline but its own, Spectre, and you cannot be held accountable for the destruction and death those machines wreaked upon the masses… wherever or whenever they traveled."

She paused, realizing the entire group was focusing on her words. Instead of being embarrassed at being the focus of so much attention, Falere squared her shoulders and let her eyes travel across them all as she continued to speak, her voice strong and resolute. "My sister Rila was but one of the millions sentenced to death by the machines' erroneous formulae, and her personal sacrifice, her strength, became my cause… my reason and motivation for fighting… in order to give her death some purpose, some meaning."

"We fought for survival and peace so that we could put our lives back together and move on. I know we live an isolated existence here, but we do get news from the outside… thus, we are well aware of the Quarian rebels who now seek to tear that peace asunder." Falere's attention rivetted on Shepard as she asked, "Will you stop them, Spectre, before they again destroy what we have managed to rebuild?"

"They are not the Reapers." Shepard spoke softly, but her words resounded in the silence that followed Falere's question. "The Council will send a delegation aboard the Destiny Ascension and we will attempt to make peace… but, I will tell you now, we will not sacrifice the SILC to make negotiations work. Their new-found freedom would be too high a price to pay."

"Then it is likely we must prepare for yet another war." Falere glanced knowingly at the headmistress, who nodded in agreement – they had obviously spoken of this before the Spectre's arrival – so Falere continued, "I have led the reconstruction of the gardens since I returned here, and our production has grown significantly. We are once again at the level where we could begin commercial sales… but have agreed to delay such pursuits in order to provide food rations to your forces for as long as necessary to win this victory, Spectre. We give this freely… in thanks for the lives you did save with both your timely arrival during the war and your actions following, in keeping Asari High Command from sending more commandos to wipe us out."

"Are you sure about this?" an amazed Shepard asked. "You could do a lot with that income, which is rightfully yours… A lot more rebuilding."

"We have what we do only because the Normandy came to our aid, Shepard." Many were nodding in agreement and it was obvious Falere answered for them all. "Even though we call the monastery home, being confined to this place gives us an appreciation for true freedom. We have discussed the Quarian situation and will not sit idly by while someone else has theirs taken away… not when we can help. Due to our genetic condition, we may not be free to participate in the actual fight, but that does not mean we cannot support your cause."

Shepard started to say something else in rebuttal, but Riana reached over and grasped her wrist, silencing her somewhat surprised Captain of the Guard. Riana looked the Spectre in the eye, nodded and smiled before turning to the crowd to speak. "The only words that truly need to be spoken now are thank you. Thank you for rebuilding and not letting the Reapers dictate your future… and thank you for whatever you can provide to help us ensure the Quarian rebels will not dictate the future of the SILC. We hope war can be avoided and that we will not require your aid, but in the event that hope proves false, it is good to know your assistance will be available."

After the tour and a quick lunch, Shepard and Liara returned to Tela's office to discuss the main purpose of their visit. The small group was now seated in a lounge area and Shepard leaned back into the comfortable easy chair. "We attempted to have Samara join us here, but she is on an assignment and could not break away." Shaking her head slightly, she explained with a heavy sigh, "There has been a murder, one which she believes to have been politically motivated, and she cannot afford to let the trail go cold."

Liara continued, "But, she is still adamant about getting the laws changed. And, after having Falere and Aresia serve on one of our ships during the war, we have absolutely no reason to oppose such a change. We understand just how deadly an out-of-control Ardat-Yakshi is, but honestly believe sequestering every single one of them for life – for the errant ways of a very few – is simply wrong… on so many levels. There has to be a better way – a more fair way – to treat those deserving of our trust."

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear you say that." Matriarch Tela beamed and took a sip of her water. "I've been giving it some thought… a lot of thought, actually… and Samara's absence from this discussion lends my upcoming proposal even more credence."

"Proposal?" Shepard raised a brow. "Do tell, Matriarch. I'd love to hear any ideas with the potential to hasten this transition along."

Tela's eyes glittered with hope as she continued, "The Justicars are busy… extremely busy, since they have accepted the task of enforcing Asari law galaxy-wide as our first national police force. They are very few in number and still in the process of growth. Added to that is the fact they must now learn the entirety of Asari law just as they once had to memorize their code… a task that will undoubtedly take decades before they reach their previous capacity. I feel situations exactly like Samara's could inadvertently lead to inequity of travel availability for our wards, possibly creating resentment and affecting the serenity within our program… which, among Ardat-Yakshi, could be devastatingly deadly."

"Which is a short-term problem," Shepard responded. "Especially by Asari lifespan standards… but I understand your concerns. That said, I think we also need to accept the reality that it will take some time to get the program up and running."

Tela nodded in acknowledgement of the Spectre's statement and continued, "That is true to some degree but, as a national police force, I do not honestly believe the Justicars will ever have enough time free from their primary duties to escort all of the residents eligible for the visitation program. In fact, if our occupancy level returns to its previous levels, I believe the problem will grow worse, not better, over what remains of my lifetime."

"And you have a possible solution?" asked Liara.

"Yes, I believe I do; the very ones we are offering to help you defend – the SILC." Tela sat back and clasped her hands in her lap. "The SILC, for obvious reasons, are immune to the Ardat-Yakshi meld. Who better to act as escorts for the Monastery's programmed two-week visitation sojourns… and guardians, against those who may want to act against our residents simply because of what they are, not who they are, once they have left the security of Lesuss?"

"I didn't think about that." Shepard pursed her lips in thought for a moment before continuing, "It is likely that some will forever hold bias, fear and hatred against the Ardat-Yakshi… some with good reason, who have had family or friends killed by the likes of Morinth."

"Yes." Liara frowned as she glanced at Shepard, memories of the many assassination attempts, against both of them, crossing her mind and through the link. "And we understand all too well that if a bias persists, justified or not, so does the threat."

"Exactly my point." Tela nodded. "In the past, the Justicars were of sufficient number and could easily perform the duties of escort and protector… but that is no longer the case. I think the SILC would be an excellent option moving forward." She smiled and added, "And, in payment, they would be welcome to establish a permanent residence here… and to reopen our titanium mines to the south, with only a ten-percent tithe to us."

"So, you would let them establish a home-base here?" Liara's voice echoed her surprise. "A colony of SILC who actually reside on Lesuss full time? Above and beyond those required to fulfill your escort and security needs?"

Smiling smugly at the perceived acceptance of her proposal, the matriarch nodded in agreement. "Absolutely." Now, we only need the SILC to agree.

Given the Matriarch's unexpected proposal, the afternoon was spent much differently than anticipated. Shepard had established contact with Legion, who had agreed with the concept amazingly quickly. "Shepard Spectre. The Consensus agrees to the proposal of Tela Matriarch. We have many applications for titanium and welcome this mutually beneficial arrangement. Our previous experiences with the Asari, on their home world of Thessia, were… pleasant. We learned much of their people and would look forward to a continued exchange of information."

"I figured you would, Legion." Shepard smiled at her friend. "I see the benefit to both parties as well, so assumed it would be a relatively short discussion amongst you though, I must admit, just how quick was a surprise. When do you anticipate being able to start building here?"

"Given the limited population currently occupying the Monastery, we foresee an initial requirement of only ten units for security and escort duties, ten for assistance in reconstruction, and ten for the reopening of the mining facility, Shepard Spectre; all of which are currently available." The SILC spokesman paused as his three-dimensional projection turned to face the matriarch. "We do not care to presume. Did you anticipate a number different than what I have provided?"

"You are extremely polite, for a machine." The matriarch chuckled softly and continued, "No slight intended, Legion."

"None taken, Tela Matriarch." Legion's head bobbed slightly before he added, "Please, answer my query."

Smiling at the rather organic gesture, Tela explained, "We would anticipate our general population to grow higher as time goes by… How much higher is difficult to say, but I would anticipate your ability to send additional units as the demand grows. Would that be a true statement?"

"Yes, Tela Matriarch. Additional units would also be added as we open more veins within the mine, once basic renovations are complete and extraction begins. Would this be acceptable?"

"Most certainly." Tela cocked her head in thought before finally asking, "Though, I believe, the true question we need to answer is this… At what point do we, the current Asari residents, begin to grow uncomfortable with the total number of SILC living here?" She immediately shrugged and continued, "I honestly have no answer… though, I would assume, as long as our relationship remains agreeable and you remain good neighbors, such a number does not exist. But, if problems do arise, I also assume we will be able to discuss it amicably when that time arrives."

"Excellent!" Shepard smiled happily at the potential solution. "We still need to speak with the Justicars, of course, and then Asari High Command before we make any formal agreements… just to make sure they have no objections and we don't inadvertently put anyone in jeopardy by moving forward without their approval. Even though sequestered at the Monastery, the Ardat-Yakshi are still citizens and under Asari jurisdiction."

"Agreed, Spectre." Tela's smile was a bit more reserved. "Though, I certainly hope those conversations can happen sooner, rather than later. I believe our residents here have suffered long enough… too long, if you want my honest opinion."

"I must say I am in agreement with you on that point in particular, Matriarch." Liara spoke on the topic for the first time since the end of their initial discussion. "To punish all for the crimes of a few is cruel. No matter the conditions, no matter how the location is described, or how nice the accommodations, if one is never permitted to leave the grounds, it is still a prison by another name… and it is wrong." She stood and looked at Shepard. "As such, we will begin our discussions with the Justicars as soon as we have returned from our business in the Far Rim."

"Thank you." The Matriarch rose from her chair and bowed gracefully. "My prayers to the Goddess go with you on your journey, that you may return safely from the upcoming confrontation with the Quarians."

"Your prayers are both welcome and appreciated," Shepard stated solemnly. "Should the Quarians opt to fight, many will likely be forced to find their way to whoever their religion dictates as their higher power. It won't be an easy battle."

"Nothing about war is ever easy, Spectre." Tela frowned sadly. "Nothing."

After an afternoon spent visiting and catching up on everything happening in everybody's lives, it was time for the visitors from the T'Soni estate to leave for Thessia. The entire group stood at the landing field saying their farewells; Riana hugging those she knew, while saving Falere and Aresia for last.

As it was every time she had to leave Aresia behind in this place, there were tears in her eyes, and the sadness in her voice belied her words. "I am so happy we were able to spend the day visiting, Rez. Given the number of days between visits, our time together never seems to be adequate compensation. I can't tell you how much I miss having you with me."

Aresia wrapped her arms around her big sister, hugging her tightly; the pair remained locked together for a long time, until Riana pushed back slightly and turned her head to place a kiss on Aresia's cheek. With a whispered, "I love you, Squirt. Take care," she finally released the lovely maiden and turned to bid farewell to Falere.

As Riana turned, Traynor stepped up to bid Aresia farewell. She held her hands out for the expected goodbye between relative strangers, particularly between a Human and an Asari; Aresia, after spending most of the day monopolizing Sammi's time, opted for a more intimate farewell. Sliding in between Traynor's outstretched forearms, the little sister of the most important person in Traynor's life wrapped her arms around Sammi's back, embracing her firmly.

"Sammi, I would have never expected Riana to fall in love so soon after the untimely passing of Ryati," she whispered in her ear. Encouraged by Traynor returning the hug, she continued, "You must have been sent by the Goddess to mend Riana's broken heart. If you would indulge me, I need to know one thing before you depart here today."

"Of course, Aresia." The whispered reply came without any hesitation. "Whatever it is, I will answer as best as I am able."

"You must know that in contrast to her tough Vanguard exterior, Ri's heart is tender… and still raw from Ryati's death, as the Asari period of mourning is generally much longer. Are you intending to stay with my sister for the duration of your life?"

Traynor pulled back in surprise; with their noses nearly touching, she replied softly, "I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with her, Aresia. Actually, we have even spoken of bonding, but the timing will be of her choice… I will not rush her period of mourning. She is everything to me… and there is nothing I would not do to make her happy."

The Asari released her hold on Traynor; pushing back to create a bit of space between them, she said, "Then farewell, Samantha Traynor. It has been a pleasure to meet the person that makes my sister so content; I wish you all the happiness in the galaxy." With a shy smile, she quickly tipped her head to place a quick kiss on Sammi's cheek. "Until we meet again…"

Traynor had tears in her eyes as Falere stepped up to bid farewell. After a brief hug, she said, "It has been a pleasure to meet and speak with you today. It is easy for me to see what Riana sees in you. Go with the Goddess, Sammi."

"You as well, Falere. I am happy to have met you and a few of your sisters here. I had a lovely time." Sammi brushed at the moisture on her cheeks as she turned to rejoin her amantia.

"Is everything okay, Siame?" Riana grinned as she kissed a moist cheek. "Am I correct in assuming that meeting my sister and her friends today had a profound effect on you?"

Sammi smiled as she replied, "I know why they are sequestered, Luv. Doesn't make it right. Being around them all day? I never once felt any anxiety when we touched hands. They seem to be just like you, or any of the other Asari I have met since I joined House T'Soni. I really hope the deal with the SILC works out to their advantage. They deserve a chance to visit home."

"I am glad you feel so charitable towards them… few people do. And you stood quite close to my sister for a seemingly long time. Care to explain?"

"She asked me if I had given any thoughts to making our union permanent." At Riana's look of surprise, she added quickly, "I told her we have spoken of the matter… that I want to spend the rest of my life at your side. Was I wrong to do so?"

Riana smirked. "No, my darling. Don't ever be shy about honestly answering such questions from family." Riana clasped a brown hand and tipped her head back. "It has been a good day, Sammi," she said with a tired smile. "A very good day… yet, I will be happy to get home."

Neema, Tassrah, The Phoenix Massing – 23 Dec 2188

"Ancestors be damned!" Gerrel scowled and stood from his desk, shouting loudly, "Ken! Get your ass in here!"

"Yes, Sir!" As Han's pseudo aide-de-camp hurried through the doorway, he saw the admiral holstering his pistol, jamming it angrily into position on his thigh. "What's happened, Admiral?"

"Get Daro'Xen here… now! I don't give a fuck what she's doing or how much she protests!"

Ken's eyes widened but he knew better than to protest. "I'm on it, Sir. I'll have her at your door in less than fifteen minutes!"

"What is the meaning of this, Han?" The irate genius stopped short of his desk and crossed her arms in disgust as she growled her question.

"This is what's up." Gerrel's arm shot out, a datapad in his hand. "I told you we needed a pause in operations, but you forced my hand simply to satisfy your own damned pride!" He rested his now empty hand on the butt of his pistol as she read. Only when her face revealed she understood what was on that datapad did he continue. "The loss of the Huli and the deaths of that crew are on your head, Xen… and that is one event I will most certainly lay at your feet!" His voice was menacingly low as he growled, "I will only say this once… The next time you barge in here and threaten to endanger this fleet by doing something stupid, thereby attempting to force my hand in military matters about which you know nothing, I will shoot you dead where you stand, consequences be damned!" He paused for only an instant before asking, "Do you understand me?"

Xen tossed the datapad onto his desk, unrepentant. "Losses are to be expected in war, Admiral… but, no matter what you say, if your Marines had done their job in the first place, it wouldn't have come to this. I am very sorry for the loss of your men… and for that ship… but it doesn't change the fact that we are starving."

"That's a pile of Pyjak shit and you know it," Gerrel snarled. "Sacrifice is expected during war as well… and we have military rations enough to last us for two years. If those rations are good enough for Marines, they're good enough for the rest of the fleet." He added, sarcastically, "I'm sorry if they don't include a garden salad for your fine palette to enjoy… but they provide the nutrition necessary to survive… and that's all we need to do until this war is won. Once that happens, you can do whatever the fuck you want… until then, I'm declaring martial law in the Fleet and you'll do whatever the hell I tell you to do."

For the first time in a long time, Xen sounded worried as she squeaked, "You can't do that!"

"Our little band of renegades consists mostly of the Heavy Fleet, which I alone control. After this latest fiasco, you no longer have any input as to what I do or don't do, Xen." Gerrel sneered as he continued, "The order went out while you were in transit here, so it's already done."