Lion's den

I used the opportunity to glance at Serena who had been silent all the time. She seemed to have regained her composure, presenting an even-tempered face to her surroundings. But I could see in her eyes that she fought an inner battle to keep it up. I took her hand and squeezed it short but firmly. She looked me straight in the eyes; a scarcely visible smile appeared for a second before it was replaced again by the even-tempered mask. "At least she is not completely mad at me"

We followed Grizz through several corridors and doors, all locked or even guarded, the ground floor made the impression of a high security factory, bare walls, no visible decorations, all doors secured. "Even with my weapons we would stand no chance to leave this building without permission."

Finally we came to an elevator, likewise secured with a DNA-reader and an additional voice check when inside. "Third floor" Grizz commanded "Voice verification positive, access granted" answered a synthetic voice, the elevator doors closing now.

The doors opened and we emerged into a vast room completely different from the ground floor. The room was obviously meant to impress visitors, judging the intricate materials used for the floor and the walls, the expensive and exclusive furniture in the middle to sit down and wait, ending up in delicate decorations ranging from pictures at the walls to several cabinets displaying various sculptures and relics.

"Very intimidating, almost a little overwhelming at first sight" Serena commented while following Grizz, who ignored his surroundings, obviously used to it. He opened a door at the far end of the room, and stepped into another, which was furnished completely different from the one before. The furniture and decorations were still of a delicate quality but of a subtle design and more practically oriented. "This is more to my liking than the one before, this was simply too much in my eyes" I said to Serena.

"I can hand you an evaluation sheet so you can assess each room and present your results to your host, 'would love to be present at this meeting" Grizz said chuckling.

Serena chuckled herself "Without knowing her, I prefer to skip the evaluation sheet thing and shut my mouth instead."

"You definitively enhance your lifespan with that decision. Here we are finally" He concluded as he knocked on a door and opened it shortly afterwards.

The Asari stood in the middle of a room, an illegible expression on her face. "The travel was a little rough as I heard, I hope you are well?" She asked while looking at Grizz who had entered the room at first. His answer gave me the possibility to take a look around, again the furniture was remarkable and of a subtle elegance. I guessed the room was used as an office but also came along with enough possibilities to host a small group of guests.

Aria turned her attention to me and Serena now "You aroused a lot of turmoil, Mr Carlyle, if intentionally or not doesn't make a big difference right now." She stated then turning her gaze to Serena raising an eyebrow "And who may be you, I expected only one guest?".

"He insisted to bring her along, stating that she would in danger, if left behind, recent events proved him right. I didn't see any problem with his request, leaving the final decision up to you."

"My name is Serena, the fact that I am here now is an unforeseen chain of events triggered by his rescue of mine yesterday evening. As I had no place to stay he offered me refugee in his lodge, well, you know the rest."

Aria eyed me inquisitively "Seems you have a weak spot there, Mr Carlyle. I assume your protégé already knows enough about the reasons of this eventful morning. If she is going to stay here or not is up to you know."

"I don't see any harm if she stays, first of all she will be affected by whatever is the outcome of this conversation, and her face is known now to whomever is after me. Unless she doesn't want to stay" I forwarded the decision to Serena.

"As you said I'm involved now - unwilling or not – and this won't change if I just close my eyes" Serena stated.

"Take a seat, all of you" Her gesture included Grizz, a fact that surprised me, he was seemingly of a higher rank in her organization than I expected. "My intelligence informed me a while ago that some organizations are planning to replace me, but they were unable to find the root of these efforts. This invitation is because your arrival yesterday caused some subtle waves in the information network, and my intelligence is almost sure that the rumours and the increased interest in your person are of the same origin. I hoped you are willing to fill in some of the blanks for me."

"First of all, my intentions for this visit were merely to buy some supplies and perhaps find a job, no more no less. That my arrival caused any kind of turbulences is still surprising me, keeping in mind that I have a good reputation as a sniper and for being loyal and reliable, but there are other candidates out there, who are certainly better suited for such a job. Before I go on, I'd like to know if you are aware about my activities yesterday."

Aria eyes narrowed "It is you, who is in question here, but this information is not crucial, so be it. I know that you made a substantial investment in the lower markets; you purchased some kind of armour upgrade and weaponry. I know also that you had a meeting in a pub not far away from the markets, the person you met is an information broker of some reputation, and he works for various clients. What I want to know is the topic of this meeting and a possible hint about my enemy."

"Fair enough. I told this information broker that I will keep any information he gave me confidential." And…

She interrupted me sharply "You should put another thought into that; your life may be in question, if you deny me an answer."

"If you would hear me out, I will come to that." I waited a second for a reaction from her side, and then continued. "I also said him, that I will keep this promise unless I am forced to take sides. Obviously he didn't care or he suggested that I had already chosen sides when Grizz picked us up this morning, I guess the latter one. Anyway I am now forced to take sides, and the fact I am here may be an indicator which one I chose. But to come back to the topic of our conversation yesterday, he offered me a job to assassinate you, along with a very substantial reward. I would have denied then and there, but I was sure they would kill me instantly if I do so."

"You can be sure about that, it would have been a big risk to let you live once you knew about their intentions." Aria interrupted again, this time without anger in her voice.

"That is why I bade him for some time to think about the offer, what he accepted, awaiting my answer this morning. As I left the pub I was sure they would tail each and every step of me, recent events proofed me right. He gave me this contact address, but I'm sure it is generic and therefore a dead end, but maybe your intelligence is able to bring something up." With that I handed over the piece of paper the negotiator had given me yesterday.

"Will be a dead end for sure, but it's worth trying." Grizz said as Aria handed it over to him.

"If this is all you can tell me, it is not much, but at least you confirmed my suspicions. But tell me something, why didn't you accept the offer? Some mercs wait their whole life for such an opportunity." Aria continued the questioning, seemingly not sure if she should believe my story in all details.

"My decision had two reasons: I am not searching for glory and money unlike most other mercs. My motives are of a completely different kind, but this is not of your concern. The second reason is that I don't accept jobs which will cause harm to innocents; I only assassinated targets who had committed severe crimes. You may call it another weak spot, but this is my way to deal with the consequences of my profession."

"You are right, I call this a weak spot, but this is your decision, not mine. But why do you think my death would cause harm to innocents? I am a merciless criminal by all accounts, so I am fitting into your prey-pattern as I see it."

"This is correct, but think about this station, it is the melting-pot for all the scum of the terminus systems. Half of the population is more or less criminal; the other half struggles to stay alive. Nevertheless you somehow manage to secure a fragile peace on this station, keeping the different parties or organizations occupied with each other. Without you I am sure a clan war would be the inevitable outcome."

Aria thought a while about my words. "I am still not sure if I can trust your story, but your insights are remarkably correct, at least from my point of view. Cut to the roots you say I am the lesser evil, and that is why you chose to deny the offer. This would fit into the information I have about you, so let's assume I believe what you said." She made a short pause and continued, now looking at me inquisitively. "With all that said, what are your plans, assuming that all bounty hunters and most of the mercs are hunting you both now?"

"Assuming that our well-being is not of interest for you, I guess you have something in mind?" I countered her question.

She smiled at that, eyes glistening "Straight to the core of the matter, this may be unusual for Asari, but I like it. And your assumption is correct, I have something in mind. I am offering you a chance to fight back, your target will be the head behind the attempt to assassinate me. The payment will be 80k per target, a fair amount of money, no extra fees, payment on success, take it or leave it."

"But you do not know who this is actually, right?"

"That is true, but we already have some tracks which lead to a very small group of possible targets. It is only a matter of time until we find out who is behind all this."

"That actually leads to my next question, where are we going to stay, presumed it is as you said that half the station is looking out for me?"

"You can stay in this building as long as needed; there are a lot of spare rooms in the second floor. I have to take my leave soon, so I need an answer now."

I turned my attention to Serena "As you are affected by my answer, what is your opinion about it?"

"I don't think I have a say in this, but as you have asked me, we have two choices, run and try our luck, or you take the job. I would suggest the second one, but as you risk your life with it, the final choice is yours."

I glanced at Aria again, who in turn raised an eyebrow "She perfectly knows what my answer must be if I care for Serena. I would be able to leave this planet all alone, but not with her."

Her answer was brief but determined and so was mine "In that case the answer is yes, under one additional condition"

Aria eyes narrowed "And what may that be? "

"In case I fail to accomplish the job you will take care that Serena will get a flight from this station on a destination she will choose, see it as a guaranteed payment."

"Fair enough, so we have an agreement" She turned her attention to the turian. "Grizz, take care of the room and also show them where they can help themselves for drink and food." She left the room without any other words.

Grizz stood up, glanced at Serena and me and snorted "Taxi driver, butler, and next time I'm going to wipe your asses clean and sober, seems I'm really getting old."

I chuckled at the thought "If you are going to do so, you will first have to fight me down to carry out your orders."

"That would be at least some fun" He smirked "Your highness, please follow me to VIP area"

"You're the first turian I get to know who is addicted to irony; I always presumed this is typically human behaviour."

"Maybe I spend too much time with your kind, should be looking for a Salarian or something. On the other hand they always make me nuts, talking too fast and too much ya'know, like an assault rifle on full auto."

"I got the picture, try a Krogan then, they appreciate fighting more than talking."

Grizz chuckled "Getting numb-minded and all that, sorry I quit, actually putting a thought or two into it, maybe humans aren't too bad after all."

Using the elevator we reached the second floor, which appeared to be an apartment complex. "You're lucky indeed, these rooms are intended for permanent and trusted members of our organization, mercenaries normally have to take care of themselves, ya'know. Considering your situation it makes sense to quarter you here, and we do have some spare rooms."

"I was surprised by that offer, actually it tipped the scales."

"I guess this was the intention, keeping in mind there is no safe spot for you outside of this building right now. Aria certainly knows how to deal with people; this is basically how she survived a longer time than my whole lifespan."

He halted in front of a door. "Here we are, if you need food and drink, the lunchroom is downstairs, as you don't have access to the elevator you will have to call the security with the panel beside it. I will make sure both of you will be enlisted for the voice verification the first time you are going to use it. Make yourself comfortable, I will send you some intelligence we have gathered concerning your job, maybe you can make something of it. Use the terminal inside your room to look it up. This is all for now, I will call you this afternoon."

Serena took a step forward, now standing in front of the Turian. "Thank you, you have been very kind all the time, especially to me, for I am more or less an obstacle in this whole story."

Grizz mandibles flared, seemingly the turian expression of surprise. "You're welcome Serena, and it may be true that you are an obstacle concerning this affair, but at least you are a beautiful one."

Serena blushed at the compliment, but smiled nevertheless. "Then at least I am good for something" she answered with a smirk.

"See you later then, don't get wrapped up in a conversation with a Salarian or even worse with a Krogan." I added wearing a mischievous smile.

He snorted with a grin. "Will keep that in mind". With that he walked away.

We entered the apartment, which consisted of one room with a bathroom attached to it; the furniture was basic but practical, not a place to live in but sufficient for the time being.

I addressed Serena "What do you think? Not too bad after all, I used to stay in rooms far worse than that."

"It is rather cold and practically oriented, but it is clean and – more important in the moment – a safe place after all." She answered with regret in her voice.

I took a deep breath, anticipating what must follow now. "Serena, I know you regret now that you came with me yesterday night. All this was not my intention, but it was my fault to invite you in the first place, I am really sorry." I sat down on one of the chairs, burying my head in my hands.

She whirled around, hurtled towards me and kindly lifted my head until our eyes met. Her eyes glistened with tears, her hand trembled slightly "Please don't say anything like that again, it is simply not true. You did nothing to be blamed for; you showed me mercy when nobody else did. And I am sure your choice concerning Aria's offer would have been different if not for me. Alone you simply would have fled the station with her permission, but you stayed because of me. Again you put your life at risk for me, and you think I am mad at you?"

I looked at her in surprise, aware that my face resembled this. "Again you dumbfounded me, your perception is astonishing. But why those tears, is it the aftermath of witnessing all that violence directed at you?"

In spite of an answer she dropped to her knees, burying her head on my shoulder, tears now flowing freely. I just held her for a couple of minutes "Holding your mouth once in a while certainly helps, I should keep that in mind."

She raised her head and drew back a little; her unbelievable eyes locked my wandering gaze immediately. "I am sorry, but I simply couldn't sustain the barriers anymore which held my composure."

"That's all natural after all, considering what you witnessed in these past few hours including yesterday."

As somebody knocked at the door I jolted upright at first, expecting another unwanted surprise. "I should think about a timeout when all this over, if I carry on like this, it will get me sooner or later, and for the first time in all those years I actually care about tomorrow…"

In the meantime Serena had answered the door and stood now before our luggage we had left in the shuttle, and – surprisingly – my weapons were part of it. I left my chair to help her with our stuff and inspected them.

Serena rummaged the oversized Shirt she had worn last night out of her luggage and went for the bathroom "If you don't mind, I will take a nap, maybe I feel better then."

"I hope you do" I just said, currently absent and deep in thoughts. "Thinking about a timeout is not a bad idea after all, but where to go? Home? Not yet, it'll break me. But where else, there is no place I really appreciate, I can't even remember half of the places I happened to be in the last years." Pushing the thoughts aside,I went over to the terminal Grizz' had indicated. First things first, let's have a look at the data Grizz promised me, maybe I will find something of worth."

I activated the terminal and sighted the provided material. Several intelligence reports summed up the collected material, pointing out several suspicious connections between three involved parties and their respective leaders. Nothing led to a final conclusion, the possibilities ranged from none of them to all of them and various combinations "Nothing to build a bridge on. A lot of suspicions, their worth is next to nothing without a proof". I also sighted the materials attached to each of the reports, mostly photos, some messages, a lot of names I had never heard of. I got weary on hundreds of photos of people I had never seen before, at least not that I remembered it. I almost had fallen asleep as a specific face on one of the photos I looked on with eyes half closed was familiar to me. Wide awake again, I recognized the negotiator that offered me the job to assassinate Aria yesterday, as she said an information broker with many clients. On the next photo I recognized the batarian who had followed me before I captured him in the by-street. A couple of pictures later I saw him again, this time accompanied by the information broker and one of the suspects, their surroundings looked intangible familiar. As I studied the photo closer I recognized the place where I had met with my contact to the black market. It was the last photo of this report and as I glanced at the date and time it was taken, every nuance of weariness was swept away; the date was yesterday, and the time roughly 20 minutes before I had confronted the batarian. "This meeting had gathered right after I had left the warehouse! It is no final proof, but more than anything else in these reports! I have to tell Grizz, maybe he will inform Aria immediately and all this could be over quite soon." With a look at the sleeping Asari I decided not to disturb her and visit him personally.