Help can come from unexpected corners. – Tachibana Higuchi, Gakuen Alice, Vol. 13

Galea – Species of fighting fish common off Armali shores; also the name given to asari capital ships ('dreadnought' in Terran) (asari)
Inamorata – A woman with whom one is in love; a female lover (Italian)
Ionsaí – Strike, or attack (asari)
Shīnan – Equivalent of an Alliance rank of E3 (asari)

• ASARI COUNCILOR'S OFFICE, PRESIDIUM •

Councilor Raesia Tevos was taking her afternoon break on the private balcony overlooking the lakes, fountains and pedestrian bridges of the inner ring of the Presidium. She generally spent from twenty to thirty minutes each afternoon, sipping her tea and browsing through a few of the seemingly less urgent reports with which her office seemed to be besieged daily. Having nearly finished her cup of tea, she stood and stretched, arms over her head and back arched, detesting the thought of going back inside on such a beautiful day. With a small chuckle, she thought, Who am I kidding? Every day on this station is exactly the same.

Picking up her datapad, she intended to take one last look at the display before turning it off and returning to her desk. Buried in a report concerning shipments of various commodities and equipment related to processing and refining raw eezo ore into the high-grade product needed for starship operation was one line of text that was so out of place in this report it may as well have been entered in flashing neon colors.

Eezo shipments originating on Omega were destined for processing facilities scattered throughout the Traverse and Outer Council Space … this shipment was destined for Illium, and appeared to have nothing in common with any of the other items listed on the manifest. Normally, she would have paid little attention to the eezo shipment report, but the line of text, buried between two adjacent multi-line reports, was not about eezo; instead, it mentioned an object in which Tevos was deeply interested, an object that should have never been included in the reports at all.

Hurrying back to her desk, she keyed the human ambassador's address into her comm terminal and pressed SEND before she even sat down. She needed to talk to Anita Goyle, hoping she at least had heard something from the operatives combing Terminus and Traverse for a tiny figurine.

When the terminal trilled to indicate an incoming message, Tevos assumed it was Ambassador Goyle returning her call; the image that resolved itself above the terminal proved to be a rather unpleasant surprise. Instead of the agreeable woman from Earth, Tevos found she was wasting a smile on salarian councilor Valern.

"Councilor Valern. To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

"Save your phony pleasantries for Sparatus, Councilor," came the disagreeable reply. "I have information, from highly placed, reliable sources, that the asari government is conducting an investigation into actions one of our STG operatives has been taking to recover an item previously discussed by us in November."

"As I recall, Councilor, it was you that categorically refused to share any information concerning either the involvement or non-involvement of the STG," she replied in a frigid voice. Tevos crossed her arms across her chest and continued with a frown, "The asari government is not going to simply stand by in the hope that salarian assistance in this problem will bear positive results, or any results, given your total lack of cooperation at our last meeting. If you have news for us regarding this matter, then proceed … otherwise, this call is terminated, Councilor."

Valern managed to look surprised at Tevos' lack of a conciliatory attitude. "Councilor, the salarian union is only concerned that outside efforts to recover the object will compromise the integrity of the STG investigation into …"

"So!" Tevos interrupted. "You admit to having the STG looking into this matter. Do you have any results to report, or are you simply trying to ascertain what we may have learned without your interference?"

"I resent your implication, Councilor," came the indignant reply. "The salarian union will certainly share any pertinent information with the asari."

"Which only means you have nothing to share, Councilor! Good day to you!" Tevos cut the connection before the surprised councilor could reply. Insufferable bastard! As if reading Tevos mind, Huntress Tenir quietly observed, "He'll never change, Mistress."

Tevos turned to look at her First. "No doubt. Too bad for him … his people. If history teaches us anything, we can rest assured there will come a time when the Salarian Union asks for our help, Nizia. It will certainly be difficult for me to look on any such request with sympathy."

The call Tevos had been expecting came ten minutes after her unpleasant conversation with the salarian councilor. Tevos had regained a bit of her good mood from earlier, even with the anxiety she was experiencing from the information revealed in the shipping records. She accepted the call and was pleased to see the human's face on the monitor. "Madam Councilor? To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Anita. Thank you for returning my call. I need to meet with you in person, preferably in a restaurant for dinner. I no longer trust that our electronic communications are secure.

"Of course, Raesia. Are you familiar with Daedoardo's Sapphire? It is a restaurant that caters exclusively to the diplomatic crowd, very welcoming of all races, has excellent food and service, and is quite secure. I believe you'll enjoy it."

"Sounds excellent, Anita … thank you. I'll meet you there at … oh, say … 1745?"

Goyle replied, "That will be perfect. I look forward to seeing you."

Five minutes had not passed before Tevos comm unit trilled to indicate yet another incoming call. Keying the unit to answer, she was more than a little surprised, not to mention displeased, to see the image of Councilor Valern displayed once again. "Counselor Tevos, if you please … I do have some information for you that may prove of value in your hunt for the … object … for which you have been searching.

Tevos crossed her arms and asked, "Something you neglected to tell me earlier, Councilor?"

Valern didn't rise to the bait, instead employing a soothing tone as he replied, "Our STG agent has discovered the whereabouts of the … object … you have been attempting to find, without much success, I'd like to point out."

Tevos hadn't been a counselor for as long as she had by ignoring any offers of help, no matter the source. "What has your agent discovered, Councilor?"

"It seems he has actually tracked the object of your investigation to a freight transfer warehouse on Illium; a copy of the manifest is being brought to your office by a diplomatic courier. If questioned, I will categorically deny knowledge of how you managed to obtain said copy. A pleasant afternoon to you, Madam Councilor."

Daedoardo's Sapphire was in the heart of the Presidium's most exclusive section, within easy walking distance of the diplomatic and financial offices at the base of the Citadel Tower. The human ambassador was waiting in the lobby when Tevos and Nizia arrived; all three were greeted warmly by an asari hostess, who led them through a wide hallway into the one of several main dining areas; from there, short passages radiated outwards like spokes on a wheel, each leading to a secluded table within a small, private room. Nizia remained at the passageway's entrance to deter physical eavesdropping.

After inquiring about liquid refreshments for the pair, the hostess left and Tevos got right to business, handing a datapad to Goyle with the information that had caught her attention earlier in the afternoon. "I discovered a record of a shipment from Omega, buried in the normal mundane data concerning numerous crates of eezo and the equipment used for refining the stuff. I never would have noticed it, except it was so obviously out of place on the report. Since I discovered this, it led me to wonder if your agents have had any positive results."

Anita carefully scrutinized the datapad, scrolling the info up and down as she reread parts and compared them to other parts of the report. She looked up at Tevos as she said in a quiet voice, "They did uncover the fact that an STG agent, one Padok Wiks, was involved in spiriting a batarian waitress off Omega. He seems to be very dedicated … didn't hesitate to relocate this waitress when he realized the danger her life was in. She's living in the foundations now … has an apartment in Echo Ward, set up for her by that agent."

Nizia called quietly down the passageway, alerting her mistress to an interruption. Their hostess gently apologized for the intrusion as she set their drinks on the table and took their dinner orders. When they were once again alone, Anita continued where she'd left off. "She works at a tavern close by, up on the wards level. One of our agents talked to her clandestinely … didn't learn much other than the STG agent's name and that she'd set up the buy for the middleman, one Ugrolya Rarfenak. The Shadow Broker's agent on Omega confirmed the Suns are in possession of the artifact. We believed they would attempt to move it sooner rather than later … the information you have here would seem to support that hypothesis."

Tevos replied, "The information contained there does include a copy of the shipping manifest, but it does not reveal the final destination after leaving Illium. Thoughts?"

A noise at the entrance to their hallway drew their attention. Nizia stood solidly in the middle of the doorway, one hand on her holstered pistol with wispy traces of blue, like the mist rising from a lake on a cool evening, emanating from her free hand. A salarian diplomat, victim of his own tendency to over-imbibe in the liquid spirits, had the misfortune to stumble right in front of Nizia as he attempted to walk in a straight line past her. Fortunately for all, but most especially the impaired salarian, Nizia would make sure her target actually posed a threat to her mistress before taking any action. The salarian's brush with commando training sobered him slightly … he picked up his pace and hurried off best he could, his cloaca tight enough to crush a Thessian torthaí nut! Nizia looked at her mistress and smiled, shrugging her shoulders slightly in an expression of puzzlement she had learned from watching humans.

Anita made a face Tevos interpreted as one of amusement before she turned back and answered the question. "Not known, Raesia. Best guess—and we are working to confirm that—would be somewhere on Thessia. Lots of extremely wealthy people, not all as scrupulous as you or me. Second best guess would be Bekenstein, next door to the Citadel in the Boltzmann System."

Tevos interest perked up at this. "Bekenstein? You think one of the wealthy humans would want an asari figurine?" She held her hand up to forestall Goyle's answer, as a beckoning Nizia was silently indicating their dinners were ready.

They both looked up as the hostess and an assistant brought their food in and set the covered plates in front of them; they also set refills for their drinks, collected the empty glasses and vanished as quietly as they'd appeared. Once the pair had sampled their meals, Anita paused long enough over her salad to answer Tevos' question. "There is one collector on Bekenstein that comes to mind … human … name's Donovan Hock, an extremely ruthless arms dealer and smuggler. It's rumored his fine art collection rivals any private collection found on Earth." Taking a bite of fish, she followed with a sip of wine before continuing. "Of course, there are a number of other collectors on that planet … place is literally crawling with multi-billionaires, but my gut says it's Hock."

Tevos was enjoying her dinner and her conversation with this human and continued eating as Anita added, "Still, the Suns have to get the thing shipped off of Illium before they can deliver it to … whomever. The danger there is Eclipse—the Blue Suns are taking a calculated gamble they can hold onto the relic while it's there; they invested a lot of creds to obtain it … wouldn't want to suffer the wrath of Vido Santiago if his 6.6 million plus credit investment somehow turned up missing."

Tevos nodded her head. "If the Eclipse find out what the Suns are attempting to do, there will be trouble." Turning her full attention to her meal at last, she thought about all she had just learned. "Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me, Ms Goyle. You may keep that datapad … I'm sure the information there will be of some benefit to your agents."

"Of course, Raesia. Perhaps we can meet here again, if you are concerned about the security of our electronic communications."

Tevos grimaced as she responded, "Concerned? Yes, I do have concerns, since Councilor Valern seems to know exactly what the asari government is doing regarding our search for the figurine." After a sip of Elasa, she continued, "I am positive there are no listening devices planted within my office or quarters, and Nizia and Dalis would sooner die than betray the trust I've placed in each of them."

Tevos took a sip from her glass before concluding with, "You'll be sure to call me with anything else your agents learn?"

"My pleasure." Tevos and Goyle finished eating their meals in quiet companionship, discussing the differences and similarities between their respective races and sharing reasons for their mutual dislike of Councilors Valern and Sparatus.

• ARCTURUS STATION · L5 LAGRANGIAN POINT of THEMIS •

Yuán Xiùlán talked to Traynor as soon as she finished her vid call with Ambassador Goyle on the Citadel. "Get your gear packed, Sà mi … we're heading for the Crescent Nebula."

"Is this about that asari artifact?" Traynor was just finishing a late evening mug of hot chocolate. As close as Arcturus Station was to Earth, chocolate of any kind was a rare treat on the station, so Sam had brought as much with her as could legally be carried when her leave on Earth was over; her stash by now was getting pretty slim.

"Afraid so. Seems our STG agent tracked it from Omega to Illium. The Blue Suns still have it, but chatter intercepted by Padok Wiks points to someone with a lot of spare credits negotiating to take it off their hands."

Samantha drained the last of the tasty liquid from her mug before asking, "How are we getting there this time? That's what? … a three, four relay hop? Don't know about you, but I seriously don't want to make that long a trip in a shuttle, especially ours."

"The asari government is loaning the Alliance the use of the Ionsaí, an Oseros class corvette from their Second Fleet, to be our transport for this portion of our hunt; it's en route to give us and our shuttlecraft a ride to Illium," came the reply. "We'll deploy and fly down once we're in the system."

Ever practical, Sammy asked, "Will there be a facility close by our docking area where we can change and eat?"

"Same type of setup as on Omega. Secure tavern, although we'll have to make a short aircar hop back and forth, for meals and personal needs. Clandestine support is being arranged by Councilor Tevos on the Citadel."

Traynor cupped one hand over her nose and mouth as she thought about what they needed to do. "What's the plan? Are we supposed to find this needle in a very big mound of straw and retrieve it out from under the noses of the Blue Suns and the authorities on Illium?" Traynor huffed as she added, "We get caught, it's us they'll throw in jail, not the Blue Suns … if they don't just simply shoot us outright."

"Never known you to worry about consequences, Sà mi. What's the problem?"

Sam closed her eyes as she massaged her temples with her fingertips. "I don't really know, Lin. Perhaps … it's Illium, ya know? The asari sorta turn a blind eye to most everything but murder, and the surveillance is virtually seamless everywhere you go."

"True, but consider this … Eclipse is the dominate merc group on the planet, or at least in Nos Astra. They tolerate the Blue Suns, mainly due to the amount of smuggling they do from Omega. What they may not tolerate is the Suns shipping that artifact through their entrepôt without paying a hefty transit fee."

Xiùlán smiled as she added, "They're leader is an asari, Jona Sederis, and the group is made up of mainly asari, with some salarians and a few humans. Sederis may not look kindly on the Blue Suns trying to sell off an historic asari artifact of such cultural significance ... I don't think any transit fee would be high enough. We may just have to make sure a few people in their organization know about the shipment. Should be interesting to watch the fallout."

"You think we'll be able to discover the location of the container and retrieve that artifact before it's loaded for its next destination?"

"Going to do our best, Sà mi. We need to bring this chase to an end, soon."

• ON BOARD ARS IONSAÍ, MAKING READY TO LEAVE ARCTURUS STREAM •

"I am Executive Officer Traeria Shoni. Welcome aboard the Ionsaí." Traynor's breath caught in her throat … she had seen very few asari during her time in the Navy, and this one was stunningly beautiful. Her uniform fit every curve of her body like a second skin, leaving little to Sam's vivid imagination. She kept her eyes focused on the asari's face as she held both her hands out, palms upwards, in a show of greeting and respect. Shoni smiled at Traynor as she placed her own hands palm down on top of Traynor's and bowed slightly.

After greeting Xiùlán in the same manner, she said, "It is nice to see you both have some knowledge of asari customs. It may prove helpful to you on Illium." Motioning for the pair to follow her, she led them into a passageway busy with crewmembers coming and going. "The Ionsaí is just under 300 meters in length, so is not a large ship by asari standards; still, the layout of the decks and passageways takes some time to get used to, and visitors can easily become disoriented. I have assigned a shīnan, Luenia Phura, to be your guide during your stay with us."

Samantha had nearly been mesmerized by the asari's well-muscled bum as she followed her towards their quarters, so coughed to clear her throat before responding, "Your hospitality is most appreciated, XO Shoni, but please … there's no need to go to any trouble on our behalf."

Traeria turned her silver and copper-flecked eyes towards Traynor as she responded evenly, "Trouble? It is no trouble for me to provide a guide for you and Ms Yuán, Ms Traynor. Trouble would be needing to send out several search parties to find you, should you lose your way while walking about unaccompanied."

Xiùlán had silently observed Traynor's poorly disguised, leering attention during their walk from the hanger and shook her head slightly as she said, "We appreciate your thoughtfulness, Traeria Shoni. I expect we'll spend most of our transit time in our quarters."

Shoni stopped beside a compartment door. "This is your stateroom … your home away from home as long as the Ionsaí is assigned as your transportation." Traeria laid a gentle hand on Xiùlán's upper arm. "Captain T'Lori and I have been informed you are doing clandestine work for Asari High Command. It seems strange that humans would be willing to assist the asari at all, no matter the task; it is my honor and privilege to have you both on this ship." She dropped her hand, mentally noting how well-muscled Xiùlán's arm felt under her fingers as she thought, This human and her companion are much more than they appear to be.

Traeria activated her omnitool and made several entries; Xiùlán's and Sam's omnitools lit up in response as the compartment door opened for them, causing Traeria to take notice and comment, "Purple? Serrice Council?" At a nod of assent from Xiùlán, she continued, "Those are very special omnitools, especially in the possession of humans; it is rare that even asari possess such high-end devices. Your Alliance Navy must think highly of your abilities to outfit you so … extravagantly." Looking from Xiùlán to Sammy and back, she asked, "They are linked to you through your DNA, yes?"

Xiùlán responded, "Yes, they are." A grim smile touched her lips, but did not reach her eyes as she raised her forearm to display the jeweled bracelet of the now inactive device. "This tool would quickly generate a collapsing circular energy field that would slice off the hand of anyone else attempting to activate it."

Traeria's brow markings rose in astonishment. "I have heard Serrice Council built that protection into their high-end omnitools, but to actually see one …" The asari shook her head slightly as she got back to the business at hand; indicating the open door behind her, she continued, "This door is programmed to respond to your omnitools only … other than myself, you two are now the only ones on this ship able to access these quarters."

Traynor's jaw dropped. "That is most … generous! Thank you."

After Traeria left them in the room and the door had closed and locked, Xiùlán frowned at her lover as she crossed her arms across her chest and grumped, "So, does her ass look any better to you than mine does?"

Traynor at least had the good sense to look embarrassed as she stammered a reply. "I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about, darling."

Xiùlán arched an eyebrow in response. "You know very well what I'm talking about, Samantha Traynor! A pair of lasers couldn't have been focused any tighter on that commando's buns than were your eyes. If you're going to admire other women … or asari … then don't be so damned obvious about it, please."

Traynor smirked as she answered the accusation. "I'm not dead, Xiùlán, and I truly didn't realize I was being that obvious, but you know I admire a well-developed tush … seems that was only one of many reasons I was drawn to you." She approached her lover and slowly began sliding her hands from her waist to her hipbones. "I am in love with you, Yuán Xiùlán. How do you know I'm not comparing other … women, as you say, to you. There are none I've seen that even begin to measure up to the standard you've set."

Reaching in, she brushed her lips across Xiùlán's, teasing them with the faintest touch. "Since you brought it up, I would really like to inspect your bum, Xiùlán … preferably …" Traynor moved in closer, allowing her to move her hands down and around to cup each of her lover's butt cheeks, "bare, along with the rest of you."

Xiùlán felt a stab of hot desire shoot through her core at Sammy's caress. It wasn't as if either of them had been recently denied the opportunities to experience physical pleasure with each other—it was simply the way Traynor used her hands to gently kneed and massage her ass, alternately gripping and stroking each side from bottom to top and across. Uncrossing her arms, Xiùlán wrapped them around her lover, hugging her tightly as she pressed hungry lips to Sam's.

Sammy had what she wanted now—breast-to-breast contact—as she pulled Xiùlán's hips hard against her own. Pausing long enough to retrieve her tongue, she said in a breathless voice, "We need to check out the sleeping area, Luv."

Xiùlán pulled away slightly to look her companion in the eyes. "You think you're so damned clever, don't you. Fortunately, I happen to agree with you about the sleeping area … we need to finish this discussion in bed … nude! Come on …"

• ON BOARD THE IONSAÍ · WIDOW SYSTEM •

Xiùlán and Samantha, having finished a light breakfast in one of the several mess areas on board the Ionsaí, had been guided to the closest exercise arena after changing into their workout clothes. Having removed their sandals in favor of having their bare feet in contact with the mats, they performed their centering exercises, a form of Tai Chi called Neigong, side-by-side, matching move for move; after going through the entire routine, Traynor pulled on her sparring gloves and grabbed their nángùns; Xiùlán decided to use gloves as well—Sammy had gotten so skilled with her staff she had whacked her lover's left hand during their last routine before leaving Arcturus.

As they took the center mat, a number of commandos paused in their activities so they could watch these two women; all of them were endlessly fascinated by humans, Xiùlán in particular. Her extreme stature with her unusual facial features and dark-as-night eyes, in conjunction with her long, ebony hair, had every asari on the ship staring at her, prompting Traynor to smirk, "Should I be jealous, Luv?" as she readied herself.

Each woman took a position at opposite edges of the mat, crouched with knees and toes supporting them, eyes closed, hands together against the center of their chests, nángùns lying on the mat along their right sides. As if they each had heard some unspoken cue, they stood as one, holding their nángùns loosely in their right hands.

The displaced air from each staff created a fear-inducing WHIR-R-R-R-r-r-r as the pair began circling around each other, looking for an opening as they twirled and swung their staves in front of each other. Traynor went on the attack first, feinting to her right before instantly banging her opponent's staff centimeters from her right hand; Xiùlán responded quickly, hitting Traynor's staff three times in rapid succession before rapidly spinning a half-turn and raising her staff crossways over her head to catch the blow landed by Traynor, who was now using her staff as a two-meter long club.

Xiùlán executed a forward roll, spinning in mid-air as she leapt from the mat to dodge the sweeping attack that just missed her feet. Growling like a predatory animal, the end of her swinging staff caught her partner on the shoulder. Traynor dodged to her right and quickly jumped straight up before planting one end of her staff on the floor as a pivot, allowing her to cartwheel away and put some distance between them.

Sensing a quick victory, Xiùlán leapt towards Traynor as she regained her feet and pummeled Sam's staff with a series of powerful, two-handed pushing blows, intended to drive Sammy backwards. Sammy countered Xiùlán blow-for-blow, the loud clacking of the wooden staves echoing from the walls around them; making her move after the third hit, Traynor used her staff as a pole-vaulter might. Arching her body up as her partner came at her, she staggered Xiùlán with both feet, kicking her forcefully in the ribcage and abdomen. As Yuán attempted to reposition both hands together at one end of her nángùn, Sammy quickly cartwheeled around to the side and used her staff to sweep Xiùlán's legs out from under her, dropping her hard on her back, causing the assembled commandos to gasp at the violent take-down.

Despite having the wind knocked out of her, she quickly attempted to roll away, but Traynor was moving almost too fast to follow—she hit her lover twice on the torso with the length of her staff before switching her hands and using the large blunt end to lightly tap Xiùlán in the throat just above her collar bones. Breathing hard as she stood over her head, staff just touching her throat, she huffed, "I just shoved your larynx into your spine, Luv. I think you're well on your way to dying from asphyxiation."

Xiùlán, breathing hard herself, lay on her back, forearms up and hands in the air in surrender. "The student has once again bested her teacher," she panted. "Well done, Sà mi … very well done!"

Traynor grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet as the commandos hummed and slapped their leathers in approval. "You okay?"

"I think you bruised my ribs, but I'll survive." She bent over to lean on her hands, gripping her legs just above the knees. "Where in 'ell did you learn those moves? I've not taught you anything like what I just experienced at your hands!"

"Lì húa taught me, during our holiday at your home." She looked around at the awed expressions on the commandos, then back at her lover. Grabbing her shoulders to pull her erect once again, she reached around her waist to draw her close before hissing wickedly through her teeth, "However, your mom didn't teach me this!" With that, Sammy kissed her lover passionately on the mouth, eliciting hoots and hollers from the assembled commandos. "That's part of my prize," she whispered in a snarky tone. "I'll collect the rest tonight."

Xiùlán looked at the love of her life and slowly nodded. "I'm yours," she whispered in a tired voice. "Although, you'd be wise to catch me before I fall asleep. You really beat me up, Sà mi. I pray my ancestors will forgive me … and my dear mother! … for creating such an unforgiving weapon!

• ON BOARD THE IONSAÍ · TASALE SYSTEM •

The Ionsaí slowed rapidly to sub-light velocity beside the system's Mass Relay and made an immediate turn towards the orbits of the inner planets. As Illium was currently at opposition with its sun, the Ionsaí resumed FTL speed once its course was set.

Traynor was studying maps depicting the layouts of several of the trans-shipping warehouses near the docks in Nos Astra when the sound of the chime on their door lock intruded on her thoughts. Answering the hatch, she expected to see their assigned guide aboard the ship, but was surprised to discover Traeria Shoni standing nervously outside. "Traeria Shoni. Please come in … what may I do for you?"

"My apologies for disturbing you, Ms Traynor. We have entered the Tasale System and are on our way to Illium. Arrival time will be approximately 2130. Captain T'Lori has asked me to convey her compliments, and requests you and Ms Yuán join her for dinner in her quarters at 1800."

Samantha quickly asked, "We'll be aboard for one more evening?"

"Yes … the captain feels it will be safer if you deploy and land in the morning, local time. Easier to obtain your landmarks and see what you're up against." Glancing around, she asked, "If I may, where is Ms Yuán?

The door to their sleeping quarters slid into its pocket as a nearly nude Xiùlán came out, hair up in a towel with another around her waist. "Sammy, what the hell did you do with my? …" Discovering the ships' XO in their lounge, she took a quick look down at her bare chest, mentally shrugged her shoulders and said, "I'm sorry. Didn't realize we had company. XO Shoni. It is good to see you."

Traeria knew most humans, particularly females, were rather shy about appearing in front of strangers in anything less than full clothing, so was surprised that Xiùlán made no effort to cover her breasts; interestingly enough, a pair of thin bruises could be seen side-by-side in the center of her chest, along with a partially oval bruise centered at the base of her ribcage. Traeria also took note of Xiùlán's bare arms, the massive musculature, tendons and veins totally visible under her olive-toned skin, along with the seemingly rock-hard abdominal muscles displayed below her ribcage. All of this ran through her mind in a flash as she commented dryly, "I might say the same of you. I heard you may have been injured yesterday …" Indicating Traynor with a tilt of her head, she waved a hand at Xiùlán's bruises and asked, "Did she? …"

Xiùlán grinned as she ran her fingertips over the discolored skin. "Sammy packs a hell of a punch, Traeria. Not the first time she's left her mark on me … comes with being her teacher." Xiùlán turned her back long enough to remove the towel from around her waist and reposition it above her breasts, covering them with the excess length now dropping to mid-thigh. She reached up to massage the towel on her wet hair as she continued, "First time Sammy met me was in a shower on an Alliance base on Earth's moon. My entire chest was bruised from a low-power sniper rifle shot to my breastplate. Didn't penetrate, just knocked the wind out of me, but it left one hell of a bruise!"

"I saw the video footage from the exercise room today." At the surprised look from both of them, Traeria added, "It's always monitored when it's in use. Lots easier to settle disputes and perceived slights. It was really interesting to see how members of another species fight without the use of biotics. I'm guessing the skills each of you possess are the exception, rather than the norm?" Their smiles in response answered her question. "Well, I'm quite skilled at hand-to-hand fighting myself, and I don't mind telling you I would not wish to be blocked biotically and have to go up against either of you."

Smiling at Xiùlán, she concluded, "I'll leave so you can finish getting dressed, Ms Yuán. Luenia Phura will be here at 1750 to accompany you to Captain T'Lori's quarters."

• CAPTAIN'S QUARTERS · ASARI CORVETTE IONSAÍ •

Captain Agana T'Lori enthusiastically welcomed the two humans to her quarters with open hands, palms upwards. "Welcome, Service Chief; welcome, Serviceman Traynor. It is very good to finally meet both of you. Come in … come in! Dinner will be served momentarily. May I order some drinks for you? … some Elasa, perhaps, or honey mead? Both are produced on Thessia … I believe you would enjoy either one. We also have a selection of fine wines available to accompany your meal." She looked expectantly at each of them.

Traynor answered shyly, "The Elasa sounds lovely, Captain," before looking at Xiùlán expectantly. "How about you?

"I'll try the Elasa as well, Captain … thank you very much."

T'Lori laughed lightly, the musical sound immediately setting her visitors completely at ease, and waved a hand towards her dining area. "Please, come with me." She shook her head slightly as she led the way into an elegantly appointed dining area. "You humans … so formal. I know humans put great stock in their formal titles, but honestly, I'm simply an experienced commando with an intimate knowledge of starship operation and combat techniques." Smiling at both of them, she added, "Please, call me Agana."

Yuán replied, "Then, you may call me Xiùlán, and my companion is Samantha …"

Traynor interrupted with, "Actually, you may call me Sammy … no one uses my full name except my parents, and only then it's because I'm in some kind of trouble."

"Very well, Sammy. And Xiùlán. I have heard from Traeria Shoni you are both very competent warriors." Looking intently at Xiùlán, she commented, "I'm given to understand that Ms Traynor here caused some bruising to your chest and abdomen during a rather impressive sparring session, Ms Yuán. I would like to have our ship's physician take a look at you, make sure there are no serious injuries."

Xiùlán was surprised. "I appreciate the offer, Agana, but aside from some minor discomfort and the visible evidence of Sà mi's strikes today, I'll be fine. She tends to be overenthusiastic during our sparring matches."

Agana raised the brow marking over her right eye and replied firmly, "It wasn't an offer of aid, Ms Yuán. I'm personally responsible for the health and well-being of every member of my crew, and that responsibility extends to my guests, especially those aboard under the auspices of Asari High Command. The fact you have multiple bruises on your chest means blood vessels were ruptured where Sammy struck you." Agana paused to sip from her glass as a steward brought two glasses filled with ice and a pale green liquid; she handed one to each of the humans as their hostess continued, "I could never forgive myself if you were to develop a lethal blood clot that traveled to your heart, or your brain, while you were groundside, or is the human circulatory system that much different than that of the asari?"

Xiùlán took an experimental sip from her glass as she thought about what this asari had just said. Her response sounded snarky in her head, so she smiled as she gave voice to her thought, "Other than having red blood, I can really think of no significant differences."

Agana smiled at Xiùlán. "It is settled then. I will have our physician see you after we have dinner, simply … to check your bruising … to be sure there is no underlying damage."

Xiùlán replied, "Very well. If that is your wish, I will be happy to comply."

The captain took another sip from her glass before pointing at the chairs surrounding the table. "Please, sit. Our dinner is ready."

As they sat at the table, Agana spoke proudly. "If the asari do anything really well, food preparation is definitely one of them. I assume neither of you are sensitive to trace eezo and are able to eat asari cuisine without suffering adverse effects?"

With an affirmation from both her guests, she continued, "Excellent! In that case, tonight's dinner is a warrior specialty. It is an asari fighting fish … the galea. It requires special preparation; in addition to biotics, it uses poison to assist in its kills, and care must be taken to not rupture the venom sacks." She laughed once more at the expression on the humans' faces. "Please, do not concern yourselves; the fish is tested for traces of the toxin before cooking, to be sure it was filleted correctly. I have no intention of poisoning the first guests we have had aboard in months!"

Xiùlán smiled in response. "How interesting! There is a similar delicacy served in Japan, called fugu, which also requires special preparation."

Agana's eyes opened wide in surprise. "For vastly different worlds and cultures, I am always amazed at the number of similarities amidst our independent evolutions."

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the steward, bringing their dinner and drinks on a large rolling cart. As she placed the trays on the table, Agana explained each dish. The first was the aforementioned fish, followed quickly by a large bowl of ke'ah, a type of dough similar to pasta, and a platter of various flavors of uloth, the asari equivalent of cheese. Each diner then received two plates; a large plate set directly in front of them and a smaller plate set off to the side, holding what appeared to be a pile of leaves.

"Let me demonstrate." Agana quickly picked up two of the large green leaves off the side plate and nested them in one hand. "The greens are called yefal." She promptly identified each item as she continued, first scooping a spoonful of ke'ah onto the leaves, followed immediately with a thin layer of uloth. She then added a generous portion of galea, and finished by topping it with a spoonful of a thick sauce from a selection that occupied the center of the table arrangement. "The various sauces have vastly different flavors. I would suggest you taste a little of each one before dousing your dinner with any of them." She quickly pointed to each as she continued, "This is very hot, this not so much..." She pointed to the one she had poured so generously on her own galea and smiled, "and this one is sweet and spicy, but not in a hot way. I won't even begin to attempt to describe the flavors. I have found the human sense of taste to be quite different from ours."

Both Xiùlán's and Sammy's eyes lit with understanding as Agana rolled it all together into what closely resembled a Japanese leaf roll. It was Xiùlán's turn to laugh as she exclaimed, "Our cultures are even more similar than you believe, Agana!"

Traynor, being a bit more conservative with her food choices, chose the sweet and spicy sauce; Xiùlán the sauce T'Lori described as 'not so much'. After tentatively tasting their chosen sauces, they each added more generous amounts to their own galea, rolled the yefal around the lot and took a small bite.

Xiùlán, having a palate accustomed to the various dishes of her native land, quickly discovered herself to be a fan of asari food and drink, and managed to eat two of the asari leaf rolls before Sammy had finished her first one, something that did not go unnoticed by Captain T'Lori, who worriedly asked, "The galea not to your liking, Sammy?"

Traynor blushed slightly at the question, answering, "I'm just not used to all the flavors, Agana. It is …" she paused momentarily to think about her response, "quite delicious. I expect the trace amount of Eezo may be altering my perception of the tastes. Other than the slight bitter tang, it is really quite similar to some of the foods I ate during my visit to Xiùlán's home last summer." Taking a sip of Elasa, she added, "Perhaps what I need is total immersion—a two or three month visit to Thessia once this job is completed—really allow me to sample all the different foods the asari have to offer."

Xiùlán chuckled, observing, "I don't know if having Sammy taking a liking to your cuisine is a good idea, Agana. You haven't seen how much she normally eats!" Xiùlán's loving look at Sammy was also noticed by the perceptive T'Lori. "She uses a lot of energy when she's pummeling me with her nángùn."

Captain T'Lori glanced at each of them over the rim of her glass as she sipped her drink, then directed her next question at both of them. "Do you think you'll be able to stay together in the Alliance Navy?"

Sammy looked surprised. "What would lead you to believe we are … together?"

It was T'Lori's turn to chuckle. "The way you look at each other when you think no one else is watching." Looking intently at Traynor, she nearly whispered, "Your celebratory passion after besting Xiùlán earlier was widely remarked upon by the ship's crew, Sammy … some were seemingly surprised at your species inability to meld, to the point of expressing quiet regret that you can never know that level of intimacy."

Sammy spooned a bit more sauce on her plate, in which she deftly dipped a stray bite of Galea. "I have no point of reference to understand what we may, or may not, be missing, Agana, but our relationship is …" Traynor looked at Xiùlán as she placed a hand on her arm, "intensely intimate, and immensely satisfying." She delicately took the small bite of sauce covered fish between the thumb and forefinger of her free hand and deftly placed it between Xiùlán's lips. "To answer your question concerning our future together, we're committed to making our relationship work, Agana." Samantha said as she massaged Xiùlán's arm beneath her hand. "Regardless of our postings, which I seriously doubt will be on the same base or ship, I love Xiùlán with all that I am."

Xiùlán added, "My love for Sammy is just as intense. We're taking advantage of every minute we have together, just as if it's our last.

The captain was actually surprised at Traynor's explicit action and her declaration of undying love, but she quickly recovered with a wide smile as she said, "I wish the best for both of you. It is a rare thing to know without any doubt that you have each found your Siame … that is a Thessian word, literally meaning one who is all … a loved one cherished above all others." Agana raised her glass and tipped it towards them as she finished with, "I wish you both all the happiness the galaxy has to offer. May the Goddess watch over you, always."

A/N: Concerning the hostess having to physically write down dinner orders for Tevos and Anita Goyle, Daedoardo's Sapphire stakes its reputation for discreet privacy on the lack of electronic equipment that could be compromised by an experienced hacker. The small, tabletop haptic menus with remote ordering capabilities common in most restaurants are not part of the décor here. Orders for food and drink are handled by a staff that are specially screened and vetted for honesty and discretion.

The asari Oseros class corvette mentioned above, while not seen in any of the Mass Effect games, is a design by a most talented artist living in Germany going by the handle Euderion; I highly recommend viewing his artwork! For those of you interested in his visions for the Mass Effect universe (along with Star Trek, Stargate, Star Wars, Galactica, Babylon 5, Dune, Firefly and others), his gallery can be found where I found his vision of the corvette: {Delete the spaces in the first part of the web address}

www. deviantart. euderion/art/Asari-Corvette-Oseros-class-Overview-522443768