What a grand thing it is to be loved! What a far grander thing it is to love! The heart becomes heroic, by dint of passion. — Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

Galea – Species of fighting fish common off Armali shores; also the name given to asari capital ships (asari [dreadnought in Terran])
Inamorata – A woman with whom one is in love; a female lover (Italian)
Seaside Sunrise – Mango liqueur, Mandarin liqueur, and Strawberry and Lime Cider
Siame – "one who is all", a loved one cherished above all others (Thessian)

• SERRICE HOSPITAL · THESSIA •

It had been twenty-eight days since Xiùlán's surgery to repair the damage to her left thigh; according to asari Doctor Luria Shakia, she was making excellent progress towards a full recovery. Her hip-to-ankle cast had been removed in favor of a changeable brace, allowing an asari therapist to assist Xiùlán's healing through gentle, biotic enhanced massage of her thigh muscles, along with deep, directed biotic stimulation of the carbon fiber reinforced titanium replacement at the top and bottom, where it had been fused to the remaining head and lower extremity of the shattered bone.

After having the limitations of dermal regeneration explained to her, Xiùlán had elected to undergo the first of what were to be several skin graft procedures to repair the external damages to skin on her thigh with extremely small strips of skin taken from her buttocks; these were placed in a 'grow' solution to make them larger, after which Dr Shakia had patched the wounds to eliminate as much scar tissue as possible. Once these transplanted patches had healed for a few days, a dermal regenerator was employed to further eliminate the scarring left by the transplant procedure.

She was in a semi-reclining position in her bed, eating dinner with Sammy and Griff. All of Buchanan's wounds had completely healed—even the scar on his face seemed to be nearly gone. As the three humans conversed over their meals, Griff said to Traynor, "I really love their hospitality, Sam, but I am bored stiff! I need to be out … doing stuff, ya know?"

Traynor had a difficult time keeping the smirk from crawling onto her face. "Have you toured this city, Griff? It's an architectural marvel, both in design and materials. In addition, it is virtually impossible to tell the old sections from those built more recently. I think you should have one of our escorts take you on a sight-seeing tour." Buchanan began to protest until Traynor pointed out part of sight-seeing involved sampling the local cuisine. "You'll be doing a fair bit of walking. Work up an appetite, have a nice lunch, or dinner. Just don't be surprised at all the attention you receive. Most asari have never encountered humans before, particularly a male, and certainly not a giant."

Buchanan grinned at that. "Giant, you say? I don't know—walking around this place, I've seen a few commandos nearly as tall as I am."

Traynor's smirk was solidly in place as she responded, "I don't think commandos are shaped like you, Griff. Huge shoulders, massive torso … you definitely fit the definition of a giant, at least to them."

Buchanan thought about the idea for a few moments before brightening visibly as he looked at Traynor. "Come with me, Sammy. I don't want to be the only human in a city full of alien blue women. I'd be glad for the company."

Xiùlán weighed in with her own opinion. "Go with him, Sà mi. It'll do you good to get out of here for a bit, stretch your legs, sample the food. You never know when you'll travel this way again. Take the opportunity while you can … I'd certainly go if I could walk more than a few steps without falling on my face."

The reminder of why Xiùlán was in this hospital brought an expression of sadness to Sammy's face. "Are you sure? I feel like I'd be abandoning you."

"Nonsense. I'll be right here when you return," she replied. "I have physical therapy in the morning and after lunch, so we won't get to visit much anyway. You can tell me about your adventures tomorrow night. Go! Have some fun!"

Traynor hung her head as she tried to think of a way to gracefully decline. She didn't want to hurt Buchanan's feelings by refusing to accompany him, so returned her gaze to them both and reluctantly agreed.

• CITY of SERRICE, THESSIA •

Maracela T'Rhyn bowed deeply as she was introduced to Buchanan and Traynor in the hospital lobby. "It will be my pleasure to be your guide today … Serrice is a beautiful city. That said, do you have any preferences as to what you would care to see today?"

Buchanan simply said, "We will be happy to follow your lead, Ms T'Rhyn."

Maracela's amusement came through as a musical titter. "Please, Sir, you may simply call me 'Mara'.

Buchanan grinned in reply. "I'm Griff." Indicating Traynor, he added, "and this here is Sam."

"Then let us be off, Griff … and Sam. I have an aircar waiting outside. Please, follow me."

Traynor smiled at their guide and said, "If it would be possible, I'd like a chance to inspect our shuttlecraft. It was flown off the Ionsaí before the ship departed" So saying, she angled her arm and quickly sent the parking location from her own omni-tool to Maracela's.

The asari's eyes went wide at the sight of Sam's activated device. "Is that a Serrice Council model?" she asked with a touch of awe. When told it was a Savant model X, Mara replied, "Please accept my apologies for being so curious, but it seems you possess an extraordinarily advanced version, Sam! If I may? …" Sam held her arm up so Mara could take a closer look. As a blue hand carefully gripped her forearm just above her wrist, Mara inspected the device closely, admiring the thin, elaborately designed and polished platinum bracelet and the small cabochon of bio-sensitive, red-banded onyx used for activation, before concluding, "Extraordinary … and quite rare. I have never seen one glow in the near ultraviolet before. And the bracelet? … it is keyed to your DNA, is it not?"

Sam assured her it was, to which the asari responded, "So, it would be dangerous for anyone else to attempt to activate?"

"Anyone wearing it while attempting to activate it would almost instantly lose their hand," Sam responded. "When this was given to me, I was instructed not to remove it for any reason, even bathing. I've been wearing it so long I don't give it much thought until I have to use it."

The awe in Maracela's expression changed to one of surprise. "You say this was given to you? By the Alliance or Serrice Council?"

"Serrice Council, my first week in training," Traynor answered. "Their representative, Mallene Calis, gave this to me; Xiùlán received one as well."

"By the Goddess, Samantha. Each of you has been granted a singular honor. Serrice Council omnitools are of the highest quality of any manufacturer, anywhere! They are a scarce … and exceedingly expensive, commodity. Few asari, aside from those employed by the major houses on Thessia, can afford such a luxury."

Sam looked at her bracelet with a hint of new respect. "So, I'm wearing a small fortune on my wrist, then? Something of no use to anyone else because of its personalization?"

Reaching their conveyance, Mara nodded as she opened the doors. "It is a paradox, to possess something of such value that is essentially worthless to anyone else."

Thinking about Griff's bulk, Sam motioned for him to take the other front seat as she climbed in the back. Their guide was telling them their first stop after they checked out the shuttle would be a walking tour through the campus of the University of Serrice, followed by a light lunch at an asari/human restaurant.

The trip to the shuttle lasted less than five minutes; upon arrival, Traynor jumped out of the aircar as soon as Maracela brought it to a halt. Saying, "I'll only be a few minutes, Griff," she jogged over to the UT-47, entered an access code at the port-side hatch and stood back as the sections parted to allow access to the interior. This was the first time Sam had been able to see their shuttle since her frantic departure from the Ionsaí, when she'd accompanied Xiùlán on board the asari shuttle to Serrice Hospital; she couldn't even remember cleaning out their quarters before leaving.

Once inside, she closely inspected the numerous terminals and data storage devices, along with the large cabinet full of supplies of all kinds. Neatly stored in her personal locker were her butterfly knives in their boot sheathes, her exercise clothes, laundered and carefully folded, the nángùn with her sparring gloves and her sniper rifle and heavy pistol, along with her ceramic armor plates, compression shirt, pants and boots. She wasn't surprised that everything was placed as she remembered it—the asari on the Ionsaí had virtually bent over backwards to accommodate Xiùlán and Sammy. While inspecting the contents of Xiùlán's locker, she uncovered the bloodied left side thigh plate; it was all she could do to keep from bursting into tears at the sight of her lover's dried blood all over the underside of the ceramic plate. Xiùlán's compression pants, with the left leg sliced open from ankle to hip, were also neatly folded on top of the rest of her armor; it was if the crewman—Traynor would almost have bet it had been Luenia Phura—knew Traynor would need to get this item and the cuisse replaced or repaired once back in Alliance space. Heaving a huge sigh, she relocked everything, stepped out into the warm, early summer sunshine and inspected the outside of the shuttle after locking the access hatches.

Seeing nothing amiss, she returned to her seat in the waiting aircar—within minutes, they were flying towards Serrice University, to spend a pleasant ninety minutes walking the campus and learning about the school's unique architecture.

• DAEDOARDO'S SAPPHIRE, PRESIDIUM · CITADEL •

Ambassador Anita Goyle walked into the reception lobby of Daedoardo's Sapphire to find Councilor Raesia Tevos seated in a comfortable looking chair off to one side. At Goyle's approach, Tevos rose to greet her with hands out, waist high and palms up. Anita smiled at the elegantly dressed councilor as she gently laid her own hands on those offered in greeting. "Raesia … it is a pleasure to meet with you again. But where is Nizia … surely, she must be close by."

The ambassador started slightly as a cool voice spoke from just behind her. "My mistress never travels the Presidium alone, Ms Goyle." The human turned around to find Huntress Tenir standing less than a meter away; she smiled as she raised her own hands in greeting. After Anita responded in kind, she half turned as Tevos moved past her. "Our table awaits us, Anita. Shall we?"

A human hostess approached them; having already greeted the two asari, she offered a warm greeting to Anita Goyle, then turned to escort them to their table. As before, Nizia stationed herself at the entrance to the short hallway leading into the small chamber where Tevos and Goyle would be eating dinner. Once seated, the pair ordered drinks—a glass of Elasa for Tevos, a Seaside Sunrise for Anita.

While they waited, Tevos updated Anita on Yuán Xiùlán's progress in healing from the horrendous injury to her leg. "She's undergoing physical therapy to regain her strength and mobility. Doctor Shakia informs me Yuán is making excellent progress towards a full recovery … the doctor mentioned the pre-existing musculature in Yuán's leg would make her recovery period shorter and less painful than if she had not been so fit."

Nizia alerted her mistress to an interruption by calling softly down the passageway. Their hostess set their drinks on the table as she quietly apologized for the intrusion. After taking their dinner orders, she unobtrusively left the pair to enjoy their liquid refreshments and continue their conversation. Anita asked how much longer Doctor Shakia expected Yuán would need to stay in the hospital.

Tevos laughed lightly as she took a sip of Elasa and asked, "The Alliance Navy getting nervous that maybe we kidnapped one of their people?"

"Not at all!" Goyle saw the mischievousness dancing in Raesia's bright silver eyes the instant the words were out of her mouth. "No, the … general in charge of the program is just … concerned … about Yuán and Traynor being seen for what they are."

"I don't believe that should be cause for concern, Anita. Yuán will need a minimum of two more weeks, possibly three, of close observation in the hospital, followed by another eight to ten weeks of physical therapy. Samantha Traynor and Operations Chief Buchanan are pretty much confined to the hospital. They are going to be given a brief, escorted tour of the city just to keep them from going … Goddess, how did Buchanan put it? I believe the term is stir crazy, no? Anyway, their escort has been provided by the Minister of Antiquities herself, in order to keep the general populace from learning too much about what they do for a living."

Anita thought about this for a few moments, during which time the hostess and an assistant brought their food in, set the covered plates in front of them and set refills for their drinks. After collecting the empty glasses, they quietly left. Once the pair had sampled their meals, Anita paused over her salad to ask, "Since there's only one person being treated for injuries, would it be possible for the Alliance to send a transport to retrieve Samantha Traynor and Operations Chief Buchanan?"

Tevos finished chewing her bite of bread and swallowed before answering: "That can certainly be arranged, Anita. We can shuttle them to a ship in orbit whenever needed … but, it may be best to leave Ms Traynor on Thessia for a bit longer."

Anita sipped her drink before replying. "There is an urgent need for Ms Traynor's expertise … elsewhere, Councilor. What would be the sense of leaving a highly trained operative on Thessia?"

"Traynor has shown herself to be an important part of Yuán's recovery, Madam Ambassador … the two are nearly inseparable. I believe it would be in Yuán's best interest to have Traynor stay with her, at least until Yuán is out of the hospital." Tevos had a few more bites of salad before continuing, "As for your Operations Chief, it might be wise for the asari to provide him with transport from Thessia to the Citadel—we'd use our own diplomatic shuttle—as it makes the trip three times a week, its presence would not be remarked upon. Buchanan is a Systems Alliance Operative, and the Serrice spaceport is a rather public place; you have not voiced your concern, but I am guessing you would like to keep the existence of three special operations humans on our home world a secret from the general population there."

Slightly embarrassed that Tevos could read her so well, Goyle nodded in agreement, then added, "That would be appreciated, Raesia. Additionally, I find I must pass along a request from the general in charge of the Spec-Ops division." When Tevos did not answer, Goyle went on, suddenly nervous at having to ask a favor from this asari. "A request has been made that our people not be present for the unveiling of the figurine to the Matriarchal Council … in fact, the request is that their names and race not be revealed at any time during the proceedings."

Tevos nodded her head slowly as she studied the human across the table from her. "I cannot say I am surprised, Anita … I understand the need to keep their identities secret, if for no other reason than their personal safety. Their actions cost the Blue Suns a small fortune." Tevos swirled the Elasa in its glass and took a sip, her bright silver eyes clouded in thought. Returning the glass to the table, she smiled at the human sitting across from her as she added, "You will be in Armali as humanity's representative when Matriarch Elesia reveals the recovery of the figurine … you can speak of the recovery in as much … or as little … detail as you wish."

"Thank you, Raesia. As I see it, the main thing for the asari people to be celebrating is the recovery of a lost piece of their history, not how it was recovered, or by whom." The ambassador finished her drink, setting the glass down as she continued, "That the Blue Suns will offer a bounty for the capture of those responsible for the theft …" at this point Goyle chuckled, bringing an answering smile to Tevos' face, "will be the unfortunate result of our clandestine interference into their affairs."

Tevos replied, "I had considered that result as part of a successful outcome to this endeavor. I will express our concerns to Matriarch Elesia; she can certainly arrange for her meeting with the Matriarchal Forum to be a private affair. The Blue Suns will learn of the figurine's location soon enough, by which time it will be too late for them to retrieve it by any means."

"Thank you, Councilor," Goyle replied. "I will inform the general of our agreement."

• AT LARGE · CITY of SERRICE, THESSIA •

Traynor and Buchanan had eaten lunch in a delightful, out-of-the-way café near the edge of the university campus—its menu was designed to attract students without a lot of spare time between noontime classes. There were a number of asari having lunch when the two humans arrived with their escort, Maracela T'Rhyn; what had been a fairly noisy atmosphere quickly changed to relative quiet, as everyone paused in mid-conversation to look at the strange sight of humans entering to have a meal.

Mara led them to an empty table just a few paces from the door, where the pair could enjoy the outside view through the large windows. Looking around at the now quiet asari, most of whom, if the surreptitious glances in their direction were any indication, seemed to be talking about the humans caused Samantha to observe, "Seems we're the center of attention wherever we go, Griff … and I feel certain that is not a good thing. I don't expect anyone here bears us any ill will, but I feel much as I did when I was in Shanghai visiting Xiùlán's parents." Despite seeming to be the center of attention, they both enjoyed their food and drink; Griff in particular enjoyed his meal, eating as if it was going to be his last.

As they were leaving, Mara apologized to the owner of the café for causing a disruption of her lunchtime routine, to which the owner replied, "No apologies are needed … it is good for these maidens to be exposed to more than their own friends. Your companions are more than welcome to come in again."

Mara next led them down a street lined with small shops, most all catering to the college crowd. Traynor had spent a bit of time thinking about what she would like to buy for her lover while they were sight-seeing, and had decided on some kind of decorative bracelet … hopefully something that would complement the shark's tooth necklace she'd given Xiùlán as a Chinese New Year's present the previous year.

She was strolling slowly alongside a group of shops, idly gazing in the windows at the items for sale when she saw it—a bracelet, or cuff, made to resemble a stylized set of jaw bones, wide open and set with triangular teeth along the inner edges of the jaws facing each other—when worn on the wrist, the curved lower jaw would be closest to the hand, while the curved upper jaw rode in a fixed position above. As the jaws were cast as a single piece, there was no actual hinge where they met on either side; the golden teeth were inset into the jaws. A fascinated Traynor asked Mara if she could enter the shop, to which she received an enthusiastic yes.

The owner of the shop came forward to greet Traynor, who ingratiated herself to the asari by presenting her hands in the traditional waist high, palms up greeting; eyes wide, the surprised asari laid her hands gently on Traynor's, introducing herself as Farnia T'Rhyn.

"It is my pleasure to meet you. I am Samantha Traynor …" Indicating her companions, she added, "this is Griffen Buchanan, and our guide, Maracela T'Rhyn." As she said the name of their guide, Traynor took another look at the shop owner. "T'Rhyn? Are you …" looking over her shoulder at Mara, "related to Mara?"

The asari, after nodding a greeting to Buchanan, returned her attention to Sam. "You are most observant, Ms Traynor. Maracela is my older sister." After returning Mara's smile with one of her own, she returned her attention to the human female standing before her and asked, "What brings two humans into T'Rhyn's Jewelry this fine afternoon?

"The gold and silver cuff in the display … the one that resembles a set of toothed jaws … may I see it?"

"But of course, Ms Traynor. Just let me …" Farnia moved to the display area and looked into the case. Spotting the bracelet that had caught Traynor's attention, she pulled on a thin, cloth glove and picked the piece up. As she turned and brought it over to Sam, she explained, "This bracelet is actually made from gold and platinum, Ms Traynor. It's a representation of the maw of a prehistoric Galea, a fish that swims in Thessia's oceans to this day; fossil remains with jaws 275 to 290 centimeters from side-to-side are not uncommon."

Sam tried the bracelet on her offhand wrist, checking the fit and look of it. "It's beautiful, Ms T'Rhyn. I'm almost afraid to ask … what is the price for this piece?"

Sam's mouth fell open in surprise at the answer. "I wasn't expecting it to be so much! That's a significant portion of my yearly compensation from the …" Samantha bit her tongue to keep from revealing too much, changing her statement to end with, "my job!"

Sam carefully handed the bracelet back to Farnia. "I'm afraid I will have to find something else for a gift, but thank you very much for allowing me to try it on."

"Of course, Ms Traynor," Farnia replied with a smile as she returned it to the display mount in the front window. "Is there anything else I may show you today?"

Sam looked at the many fine pieces of jewelry in the cases, but nothing she looked at said Xiùlán to her as had that bracelet.

"I'm afraid not, Ms T'Rhyn. There are many beautiful things in here; unfortunately, none speak to me as did the bracelet. I appreciate your time." Turning to their escort, Traynor said, "Let's be off, Mara. Perhaps I'll yet find a present for Xiùlán today."

• SERRICE HOSPITAL •

Despite the coolness of the corridor, Xiùlán was covered in sweat, the result of her efforts to walk—with the aid of a walking frame—down a passageway outside her room. One of her usual companions for her increasingly lengthy forays was Sammy, but she was out sightseeing with Buchanan and their escort Maracela T'Rhyn. Her only companion on this afternoon jaunt was Corrina Sidhu, the therapist assigned to help with the healing of Xiùlán's leg.

Besides accompanying Xiùlán during her slow—exceedingly slow, to hear Xiùlán complain about it—walks up and down the passage, Corrina exercised the human's leg by holding her foot and slowly bending her leg at the knee until her calf muscles were touching the back of her thigh. It had actually taken a bit of time for her to succeed at moving the lower leg that far; when first she started, Xiùlán had cried from the pain it brought to her knee.

Many were the times she had been ready to allow the doctors to amputate her leg at the hip—the Alliance would still allow her to serve with an artificial leg, and she wouldn't have to endure any more pain, or so she thought when she was truly depressed. Sammy had been her support the entire time, talking to her, encouraging her, holding her as she wept in perceived shame at her weakness. That Yuán had come as far as she had was testament to Traynor's unflagging attention and unconditional love.

As Corrina assisted Yuán to sit on one of the benches at the far end of the corridor, the human thought once again about how out of place she seemed to be here, in this hospital, in a city on a planet populated by a race of mono-gendered people that outwardly resembled human females with blue skin. She had mentioned this to Doctor Shakia once, and had received a rather detailed explanation concerning the hospital and its staff. "This is a teaching hospital, Service Chief … it is no accident the university is so close. Having a human for a patient is a way for us to discover our differences, as well as our similarities. All the knowledge we gain by treating and rehabilitating you will ultimately be useful to all the doctors here."

Yuán wasn't so sure, but did not argue the point at the time.

• SYSTEMS ALLIANCE NAVAL YARD, VANCOUVER, BC · EARTH, SOL SYSTEM •

Marine General RaeLee Park stared at the image on the monitor in front of her; there was disbelief in her voice as she responded, "Dammit Counselor! I need to get those two back into action, sooner rather than later. Does that asari doctor really believe Traynor is an essential part of Yuán's recovery?"

Anita Goyle could see the unhappiness in Park's face. "General, those two women may as well be physically joined at the hip. They've each been injured … severely so … on clandestine missions for the Alliance. I believe Serviceman Traynor is performing a job for the Alliance … she's keeping Yuán focused on healing, on moving forward."

Goyle referred to a datapad she was holding. "Councilor Tevos has offered to fly Ops Chief Buchanan to the Citadel on their diplomatic shuttle whenever we say the word."

Park wanted to know, "How long until they're ready to discharge Service Chief Yuán?"

"Yuán will be in hospital for another two or three weeks; once she's in a rehab center, the doctor feels Traynor could take on short missions," came the response. "Of course, having a week or so between missions on Thessia would help us get Yuán back on her feet sooner."

Park sighed. Traynor and Yuán were two of the most gifted operatives she'd ever had the privilege of working with. "Seems like amputating that leg and giving her a prosthesis would have gotten her back to work sooner. I really do need them out there working, Counselor." She regretted her words the instant she said them, but couldn't take them back.

Goyle raised her eyebrows at Parks harsh statement, then tried another tack. "General, look at it this way … the asari are bearing the entire cost of Yuán's surgeries, which are considerable, and her rehabilitation, also a large sum … when she's back on her feet, both of them will be hers." Goyle paused for a moment to carefully choose her words. "Now, I realize the Alliance would have borne that cost if she had been sent to a facility on Earth, but an Alliance doctor would have simply taken her leg off and given her a crutch … and Admin would have provided a monthly disability stipend, quite possibly putting an end to a very promising career."

"Dammit, Counselor, you're as much as accusing us … accusing me … of treating our people with callous indifference!" Park was unhappy to have Goyle making her out to be the villain. "That is simply not the case! I care about my people … every damned one of them, and those two in particular, but there's a shit-storm brewing out in the Attican Traverse, and I could really make use of their skills." Park squeezed her temples between a thumb and fingers of one hand before continuing. "Three weeks, Anita … until Xiùlán has been moved into rehab. I need Traynor, at the very least, to start working on this new threat. When she hears what it is, I'll probably have trouble prying her away from it."

"I'll be traveling to Thessia myself in a few weeks," offered the councilor. "I'll be accompanying Matriarch Elesia, the Ministry of Antiquities, to a meeting of the Matriarchal Forum; she'll be revealing the recovery of the figurine, and Councilor Tevos felt it would be good for me to be there … answer any questions they may have."

"You're not going to? …" Park started to ask.

"Traynor and Yuán will not be attending, nor will their identities be made known. The matriarchs are trustworthy, for the most part, but I have heard rumors about one or two of them, so I intend to shield our agents from their scrutiny. The asari do not need to know how the artifact was recovered, nor by whom."

Park heaved a sigh of relief. "Thank you for that, at least. Personally, I would love for the asari to pin medals on their chests … those three did more to move asari-human relations forward than all the Alliance brass and diplomats combined since the conclusion of the First Contact War … er, no offence, Anita."

"None taken, General. I only wish Xiùlán hadn't had to pay such a price for our decision to help them."

Park pointed out, "She still has her life, Ambassador." Park looked down for a number of seconds before continuing in a soft voice. "What I have in mind for them may be just as dangerous, and the possible payoff will not be nearly as tangible."

"General Park, I am aware your program will be ending in the not too distant future. Personally, I hope that Traynor and Yuán can return to their career paths when that happens," Goyle said. "Xiùlán was training to eventually become captain of a warship; Samantha towards a computer programming and communications position with Alliance HQ in Vancouver or Arcturus."

"I'm well aware of their interrupted career pathways, Ambassador. Don't worry about it for now … just pray that the mess I'm getting ready to toss them into isn't so deep we don't get them back whole, physically, or … mentally." After a brief pause, Park continued, "I have to go, Ambassador. Keep me updated on Yuán's condition, please. Good day to you."

The ambassador's image faded and disappeared from the view screen as Park terminated the connection. Thinking about all that had just been said, she pulled up a mission background and scrolled through it. There it was—Cerberus—bigger than all hell. Park had no doubt that Yuán and Traynor … Samantha in particular, would be interested in this mission, after losing a friend to a pair of Cerberus murderers in 2180.

• SERRICE HOSPITAL, THESSIA •

It was nearly sunset; having returned from her afternoon exercises soaked with sweat, Xiùlán was looking forward to Sammy's tender touch with a warm cloth and scented body wash—the anticipation was really the only thing that had kept her going all afternoon. Traynor removed all her own clothes except her sleeveless undershirt and panties and helped Xiùlán into the shower area, where she began giving her lover a standing sponge bath. As usual, Sammy didn't disappoint; after washing and towel-drying her hair, she began to lovingly wash every square centimeter of Xiùlán's skin.

It had not been that long since their last evening together on the Ionsaí—nevertheless, Sammy's cloth, lingering languidly on her breasts and accompanied by little kisses, alternating between eager pink lips and just as eager pink nipples, nearly sent Xiùlán over the edge as she stood with all her weight on her right leg, shoulders and butt hard against the cool tiles of the shower stall. She moaned as Sam slid the cloth in small circles down and across rock-hard abdominals, moving inexorably towards the small triangle of midnight-black hair; Xiùlán whimpered aloud when Sammy abruptly lifted her cloth in order to grip her upper arms and gently turn her to face the tiled wall.

"Oh gods, Sammy," she hissed through teeth clenched to keep from crying out. "That is just too cruel. You've never been such a tease! What has happened to you?"

Sammy had been dressed in only her sleeveless shirt and panties; in only a matter of seconds, Xiùlán felt a bare arm snake up between her and the wall as a warm pair of breasts, freed from the constraints of a shirt, were gently molded against her shoulder blades. The hand attached to the exploring arm deftly reversed course, sliding back down along slick skin until reaching its goal—the patch of black forest guarding Xiùlán's tight valley of pleasure, as another arm entered from the opposite direction to tease and torment breasts, stretched taut by Xiùlán gripping a safety bar just over her head.

Hot puffs of air from nostrils tickled, as a pair of warm lips grasped an earlobe to gently pull, release, then pull again. A whispered, "I love you, Xiùlán," was accompanied by a bared pelvis moving in a careful grinding motion ever so delicately against her butt.

"Wo ài ni, Sà mi!" [我愛你薩曼莎, 薩米 – I love you, Sami!] Even if she had wished it, Xiùlán was totally powerless to halt the building crescendo in her core as Sammy's talented fingers softly massaged and teased her hooded lady, until a dam seemingly burst, allowing a flood of liquid to flow over Sam's fingers and hand before cascading down the inside of Yuán's thighs. Sam was ready as Xiùlán's right knee finally gave up the struggle to bear her weight, deftly easing her Inamorata around and down onto the built-in bench beside them, being careful to keep her left leg as straight as possible.

Xiùlán sat panting on the cool tiles for a few moments before placing a kiss in the middle of the neatly trimmed bush in front of her face. Reaching around to caress a muscular pair of buns with her hands, she alternately kneaded and massaged while looking up at Sammy in delight, saying, "You missed my legs, darling, but …" now raising her elbows without releasing Sammy's tantalizing ass, "I'm all sweaty again. Guess you'll need to start over."

Sammy giggled. "This time I'll start at your feet and work my way up. I need a wash as well now … wouldn't think giving you a sponge bath would get me all sweaty. Do you suppose we should ask one of the nurses to wash you? Might be more efficient."

"Don't you dare! I've been looking forward to this bath all afternoon. Now, help me up so we can begin again …"

After a second wash and rinse with a pair of dampened cloths, Sammy carefully toweled Xiùlán dry with many a kiss applied to various locations. Traynor finally helped her slip into her panties and matching tank top before assisting her into the freshly made bed; Sam took a quick shower and was just finishing up getting dressed when a knock at the door preceded Doctor Shakia poking her head in to ask if anyone was hungry. When assured by Xiùlán they both were famished, she came all the way into the room, a quizzical look instantly on her face. "You look happier than I've seen you since you arrived, Ms Yuán. Anything happen you care to share with me?"

Xiùlán darted a glance at Sammy before turning sable brown eyes back to the asari. "Oh, something happened, but I'm not at liberty to share any details, except to say that Sammy was assisting in a different aspect of my physical therapy."

Doctor Shakia looked at Sam, also smiling, nearly … glowing, before returning her gaze to Xiùlán. "Why do I get the feeling that whatever you were doing didn't involve healing your thigh?"

Xiùlán nearly burst out laughing at Sammy—the tiny contortions she was going through in order to keep a straight face were highly entertaining.

"I was … uh, massaging her … back … her shoulders and upper arms," Sammy stammered. "Terribly stiff, after … umm … having to support her weight on that miserable walker." Thinking, Bloody 'ell! I need a better story, she sat in the chair near the foot of the bed as Doctor Shakia moved to stand beside Xiùlán, using her omni-tool to scan her patient's leg.

"It would appear you are healing faster than I anticipated. We should be able to discharge you into the care of our rehabilitation center in 10 to 14 days."

"That will be a good thing, Doctor … The sooner I can walk on my own again, the sooner I can get back to work." Glancing at Sammy, Xiùlán could see her Siame was not so thrilled at the news; after Doctor Shakia left to bring their dinners, she asked for an explanation.

"General Park wants us back on the job, Xiùlán. I received a message while you were finishing your therapy session this afternoon." Rising from her chair, Traynor came up to Xiùlán's bed; taking her hands in both of hers, she continued, "As soon as you're in rehab, I'll be leaving for short missions in the Terminus Systems. Griff will be leaving as well, probably before I do, and we'll probably have to work together. You and I will be speaking with Ambassador Goyle in a few days … she says the General hinted at something that would be especially interesting for me."

Yuán thought this over for a few minutes before responding. "Sà mi, whatever General Park has in mind for you will in all probability involve me at some point. Once I'm out of rehab here on Thessia, I expect to be cleared for light duty. Whether or not that would enable me to go on active missions with you remains to be seen, but I don't intend to be left behind. Whatever you're doing for those eight weeks or so, I want you to talk to me … keep me informed of what's happening."

Traynor moved to stand beside her lover. "How could I not share with you, my darling." Taking one of Xiùlán's hands, she continued, "Don't you realize, I would never attempt to hide anything from you? I'm not the least bit thrilled that General Park plans on sending me back out there without you, even if they're to be short missions … with, or without Buchanan."

The last words were hardly out of her mouth as the door opened to admit Dr Shakia; she pulled a small, contragravity cart bearing their dinners into the room with her, causing all talk about work to come to a sudden halt.

During their sumptuous meal, Xiùlán and Sammy exchanged knowing looks that promised their discussion was far from over.

• CRONOS STATION, ANADIUS · HORSEHEAD NEBULA •

A shadowed hand stubbed a cigarette out in the ashtray on the end of the chair arm as its occupant sat, one leg crossed over the other; an incoming call announcement trilled as the man swirled the ice around in the glass before downing the rest of the drink. Rising from the chair, he handed the empty glass to the young woman approaching from the right as he turned to walk a few paces, where he stopped on a circular black pad a meter and a half in diameter.

Using his omnitool, he answered the incoming call; it was from an undercover agent on the Citadel—more accurately, from within the Presidium. Without preamble, the shadowed figure said in a cold, hard voice, "Report."