Epilogue

Serpent Nebula, Deep Space Construct Manta Reef, 11.3.2186

Victor sat at the edge of the Medical Director's examination table, sheepishly sipping on a pouch of emergency electrolyte and nutrient solution as his exposed body was inspected by both turian and human doctors, the familiar figure of Falvo Marthel joined by the Manta Reef's physician, Nasrah Cawsakh. The severe-looking woman peered intently at Victor's form as she assessed whether he was fit to depart the station. A frown crossed her face as a pair of gloved fingers touched two identical sets of red welts running from his hips to his rear.

"Chafing from the canopy harness, huh?" The human doctor inquired dubiously.

Victor gave a noncommittal shrug.

"I mean, like I said, I think someone simply adjusted the waist restraint a little funny before I strapped in on that last mission. Guess I was a little too focused on the enemy to take much notice of it by the time it started bothering me."

He felt her inquisitive fingers probe upwards along his back, tracing a crosshatched array of similar scratch welts behind his shoulders, whose spacing curiously matched the amount of relief between turian talons.

"Mmm-hmm. And nowhere in that little skirmish did you find a moment to address that or the loose buckle you said carved these into you?"

"I was, uh… really really focused on what I was doing. I guess that'll teach me not to leave straps adrift next time huh?"

Victor scratched his head idly.

Director Marthel piped up, a hint of amusement underneath his stern facade.

"It'll teach you something, I'm sure." His gaze remained fixed on a fidgeting Chertyl leaning against the wall across the room.

"What are you looking at ME for?" She asked innocently.

The human doctor took a blood sample from Victor's arm with a tiny jab from her omni-tool. Tapping a stylus against her lips, the woman regarded her patient with a pensive eye.

"Right. Normally I would also be inclined to ask you about these funny little abrasions and puncture marks on the side of your neck, but I get the feeling you're going to insist you got those by slipping in the shower."

As Victor began to muster a shaky explanation involving sleepwalking, the turian doctor placed a hand on his bare shoulder, quieting him.

"Relax Major. It's not terribly important how it happened. Our only interest is keeping you from unnecessary harm however we can. Spirits know the enemy tries to give you enough of that as it is. So just try to be more careful."

Nasrah put her omni-tool down and addressed her patient.

"Blood work looks good, the fast might keep you sleepy for another day or two but everything should be in working order soon, phantom cat scratches included. You're cleared to board, welcome to the Manta Reef, Major. Though I figure you won't stick around to watch this boat get patched up."

Zipping up his suit, Victor confirmed her doubts.

"No ma'am, I'll be boarding another carrier arriving in a couple days at the Citadel. In the meantime I'll be joining the crew taking their weekend shore leave there while the retrofit is going on. I've got an invitation I can't refuse to the best sushi bar in town, and I'm crossing my fingers it's all-you-can-eat."

Chertyl walked over to her partner and fixed the back of his collar as she reported sadly, "Sorry Vic, I just checked and it looks like Ryussei's is closed for repair after some goons shot it up. But I've got another good place in mind. If you're lucky they might even serve skynettle tea."

The human doctor scrunched her face with an audible bleh.

Victor turned to this kindred culinary spirit. "Right?"

The pilot and his companion soon bid their farewells and dismissed themselves. As the hatch shut behind them and their footfalls died into the distance, Doctor Cawsakh broke the silence permeating the medbay.

"That woman's gonna kill him, Falvo. I know those marks obviously don't fit the profile of anything abusive but still, that kid's got a real spitfire on his hands."

Marthel chuckled lightly.

"Oh, the marks are consensual without a doubt. Still, it disappoints me a bit that someone trained in operating an interstellar death machine isn't capable of fabricating a better cover story. But he's a tough kid, and honestly I'm quite happy for the Lieutenant Commander. She seems to be getting out of her shell and enjoying company, even if her enjoyment is a little… intense. Oh! And look at this, Nasrah."

He pointed out the viewport of the hatch, where they caught a glimpse of Chertyl and Victor walking in each other's arms, a passing sentry doing a double take as she passed the heedless couple. Doctor Cawsakh's professional bearing melted as she cooed in delight.

"D'awww… Tell me Falvo, would it ruin the moment if I got on the PA and reminded those two to practice safe sex on the public frequency?"

The turian doctor only smiled and tapped his chin thoughtfully before shrugging.

"No need to mortify them Nasrah. Better to be subtle about it. I already took the liberty of slipping some human condoms into her pocket and a couple pouches of antihistamine lubricant into his."

Nasrah gave a rather un-doctorly giggle at the mention of this, before composing herself and commending him in a tone of mock reverence,

"Director, you're a real guardian angel, you know that?"