Ilos
The voices were going on and on for quite some time. Since breakfast, Kedar realised. Rising high and low, floating in and out through the eddies of discourses that was integral to any place of gathering. Slackening his furious typing, he listened for a while.
"It's only been a few days. Stop fretting."
"We're back to the beginning if the two devices fail."
"The end result will still be the same. The only difference is the speed in which the objectives are achieved."
"Optimism is..."
"By the egg, wallow in mud as you like!"
An argument replicated over and over among the researchers since the day the Council stamped their approval to field test the scrambler on Sur'Kesh. Different words, different emotional nuances but the same concern. What if the device did not work? Failure beget distress, disappointment and a gouge in morale. The struggle against the TI would continue on its protracted course. At the end of which, the TI would be crushed. But the cost. Were they so willing to accept the cost in lives?
He didn't think so but they weren't exactly putting themselves out to find other solutions. That was the most disturbing trend that was emerging among his colleagues, whether they realised it or not. Their quiet resignation was unsettling and sapping. A vast contrast to the boiling fiery energies they displayed during the war. He shook his head as he bent over his console, fingers busy on the keyboard. He must finish his project quickly.
After several minutes, he sat back as he ran a diagnostic program on his work. It was not what he specialised in. It might not be the best but then it was not the worst. He believed he was up to any challenge. It would have been better if he had someone with the expertise to help him with it but circumstances dictate that he did it himself. For better or worse, if he failed, he would have the satisfaction in knowing he tried, for the good of all, even if some did not see it that way. A check with the chronometer showed he had half an hour before he was due to visit the archives. Carefully, he overlaid the program with other projects, locked his console before making for the canteen.
For once, there were no groups of humans lounging around the tables. There was a sprinkle of asari, volus and salarians. At this hour, most of the staff were resting in their quarters or down at the archives. The engineers and laborers were outside, working on the foundations of the first permanent complex to be built on the planet since the destruction of the Prothean cities. The complex would house bigger and top of the line research laboratories, military facilities, habitats and a full range of leisure amenities. Ilos would once more become a research centre. Perhaps it would regain the prominence it had once enjoyed thousands of years ago. A prospect he looked forward to. If he succeeded in his endeavour, one of the outcomes he could look forward to was to be recognised as one of the founders, the architect to the demise of the TI. His clan, his family reputation as well as his own standing would be enhanced.
Cooked food, cold servings and simpler fare were laid out on the self-service counter. Having little appetite, he took an energy bar, poured himself a cup of water before sitting down at an empty table in the farthest corner, contemplative of his intention. Would he fail? The odds were against his success, he had no delusions about that. It was an anxiety that gnawed away at him for days. The more he thought of it, the more he was convinced he would not achieve the end he wanted. Yet, he had to try. So much was at stake. So much was already lost. Images danced before his eyes, horrifying, wrenching. Unacceptable.
He stood up, the energy bar and water forgotten and returned to his workstation. The diagnostic program had ended and the result blinked greenly at him. As expected. He transferred the file into a datastick and tucked it into the pocket of his suit. He made his way down to the entrance to the archives, picking up his breather mask along the way. He climbed into one of the empty buggies at the vehicle park and drove it down the new and very long corridor that ran parallel to the trench, going down numerous slopes and ended up at one of the lifts Module had uncovered that led directly to the monorail.
The soldiers at the lift doors, a pair of turians, eyed him carefully as he stood waiting for the scanner to finish its run. He pretended to be busy with his omni-tool, afraid that they could see the tremor in his limbs. Should the scanner screamed a warning, the first shot would not come from them but from hidden turrets all around them. The doors open and he stepped into the lift, slumping a little. Irrational though it was, he thought the security devices would detect his intentions. It was fear playing him up, he knew.
He checked his chronometer again, then stood staring at the changing numbers on the lift panel, his fingers coiling round and around themselves. A few scenarios played over and over again in his mind. He had to be absolutely prepared if he failed. Efficiency. Celerity. Competency. Perception. Yes, all was in order. The lift stopped and he stepped out, wrenching apart his hands with effort. More soldiers, human and turian. None stopped him when the scanners emitted no alarm. He climbed into the open-air vehicle and was soon gliding down the monorail.
The ride was strangely soothing, the long stretching tunnel and lights that flashed by was almost spellbinding. He felt he could continue in that state forever, hung in that never-ending stream and was almost sorry when the vehicle slowed and came to a stop. More soldiers stood at the entrance to the archives. He fancied he could feel the weight of their eyes on him when he continued to sit in the vehicle. Now that he arrived, fear seemed to have frozen his limbs. He had to get out before the soldiers become concern or suspicious. With great effort, he forced himself to move and stood for the security scans before the green light was given. Again, he had to force himself to step through the door to the walkway lift.
It seemed as if his spirits dropped lower and lower as the lift sank down. Stiffly, he made his way to the platform terminals, his feet suddenly doubled their weight. As usual, his arrival was noted. The other researchers ended their sessions at the terminals before making for the lift. Watching them surreptitiously as they walked past him, he almost wished one of them would speak to him but none did. He wished he did not insist on a solitary schedule for himself. If he had a partner, perhaps this wouldn't be so difficult.
Once more twisting his fingers together, he paced before the terminals, waiting for the other researchers to get to the top. The ever present prothean V.I. watched him but said nothing. He contemplated having it turned off. Its gaze was unnerving him. It was as if it was assessing his worth. It might not be alive but its form was that of the ancients who had once stood where he was. Its presence was akin to a physical manifestation of a rebuke to what he had in mind.
A glance at the lift. It was at the top. There was no one in sight. There were security spy eyes of course but no one would be any wiser if he succeeded. Taking a deep breath, he expelled it noisily before taking the datastick from his pocket. No, there was no going back. Resolutely, he stepped up to the main terminal and jacked in the datastick. Lifting his hands, he began his work.
Local Cluster
Earth, Citadel
The nightclub heaved and bounced. The bass pulsed rhythmically to the light drums as the synthesizers weaved in and out. Keeping time with the beat was a rainbow of colours that oscillated occasionally, alternating with hues of amber that glowed softly in the darkness. In the midst of this sea of radiance and sounds, bodies twist and turn. Some with aplomb, some with abandon, some with reservations and others with caution. Gyrating with artistry on floating platforms, hired dancers led the way. A mass articulation of passions.
Seated in the booth with the sound buffer dialed high to reduce the volume, Sanar watched the asari dancers with a curious eye. Most were maidens, wild and liberal. How many of them would heed the surprising call by the Assembly to pursue a more beneficial endeavor? For centuries, it was the norm for the young to be given free rein to explore their curiosity and desires. Like the Dolvi that flitted among the flowers and streams of Thessia, the maidens wandered, sampled and tasted. Never settling down for long until they felt the call to set down roots more firmly. That was how it was with most. Some never did find a mate or chose a profession. Some never made it to the second cycle. Those were the ones who were most reckless or simply unfortunate.
"Thinking?"
A finger smoothed lightly over her arm before her hand was taken. A tingle ran up her nerves when her palm was stroked softly. Her own fingers curled around the other hand. She nodded towards the dancing maidens. "How many do you think will return home?"
Hiaras regarded the dancers gravely. "If they have seen the vid of the Convocation, I'd say perhaps a third of them will respond to the new policies."
"The change will make them wonder and fired their curiosity," Sanar murmured, thinking of the tension that held them several days ago when they watched the live feed of the Convocation from Thessia in Nyrine's hospital room.
When the Siari priestesses sang the requiems for the departed during the ceremonies and most particularly, for a custodian who was not named, they knew the old matriarch had died. The fact that she was given an honored tribute was suggestive. Aethyta did not divulge what had occurred in the confrontation in her brief communique so they would have to wait till they return to Thessia to get the full story. That was, if Aethyta was willing to talk about it.
Despite her assurance there would be no dissolution, their anxiety did not leave them until the Assembly announced the changed policies. For once, there was no dissension. Not a single word from the forum saved the elected Speaker who spoke without interruption. For once, the proposed policies were not murky. Not couched in ambiguous declarations and shibboleth on superior judgement. The speech was careful, concise, positive and encouraging. Such honest determination and conviction was hardly heard for centuries and it held them entranced.
At the end of it, they had stared at one another, certain it was a dream but eventually, it washed over them that finally, they would see a new era for Thessia. They had made a pledge then and sealed it with the wine Hiaras bought at the hospital patient lounge. There was a considerable queue at the sales kiosks, she had commented when she returned from her errand. Clearly, the convocation had inspired hope among the people.
"Of those who heed the call, it might be a difficult change. It's not easy to curb disparate enthusiasm to narrow it down and direct it towards a singular purpose," Hiaras said. "But that was before. The war changes everything, everyone."
Sanar thought of her tentative exploration when she left Thessia. She had travelled extensively, taking little bites here and there, insecure, restless and undecided on what she wanted. Witnessing the results of brutal raids on colonies changed her perspective and gave the impetus on a determined path. She returned to Thessia to enlist in the military. Not once did she have second thoughts on her decision. What would she have felt if she had experienced the Reaper War as a maiden? How would it change her? Would it be for the better or the worst?
She looked at the dancers. "I wonder if that enthusiasm is a desperate front."
Following her gaze, Hiaras understood her point. "It's regrettable. To look on it another way, the war was a much needed wake up call."
Sanar sighed. "I wish it isn't so."
Still looking at the dancers, Hiaras said musingly, "Do you know how Liara T'Soni arrived at the point where she is today?"
Sanar leaned forward in curiosity. "I don't know her that well enough to ask. I heard of a few rumours here and there."
"From what I gathered from the bits dropped by Aethyta, matriarch Benezia, her mother, was proactive in the forming phase. A difference in career interpretations between them led the younger T'Soni to move in her own determination not long after she reached maturity. Benezia's position, her own disposition and interest played a part too in impelling the choice in a commendable career much earlier than expected. Her expertise in her vocation aided Shepard in foiling the first attempt by the Reapers to invade. That experience in turn formed the basis for her successful stint as an information broker. Within a space of two years, she carved out a respectable niche and a serious reputation at Ilium."
"Two years?" Sanar was astonished. "Something was driving her." She could hazard a guess as to what it was. Shepard. The lost of her lover was surely the impetus. That and the knowledge of the Reapers.
"We know who it was," Hiaras said with a smile. "Certain factors propelled Liara T'Soni down a different path from her peers. Her starting phase was effective and continued to develop in the circumstances that presented itself. The war has etched its scars. A grueling trial that touched all the young ones. Some will fall behind. For those who are more resilient, this is the chance for them to develop earlier. The new policy will encourage and support them to identify their talents and interests, create favorable conditions to help them flourish."
"Changing centuries of inherent practice." Sanar sat back, thinking hard.
This was one of many goals Aethyta had spoken to her about. The idea was feasible and appealing. It would largely remove the cloud of vagueness, the uncertainty of their path that every maiden faced. It would also change the matriarchs' customary perception of irrelevance of the young and the indulgence usually bestowed on them.
"Aethyta finally gets what she wants," Hiaras said with satisfaction. "Beginnings are difficult but if the changes take hold, those who are adept and resourceful will channel their energies into a flourishing outlet rather than-," she waved towards the dancers, "floating like solar winds, trying to find the catalyst to morph."
"The cadence and enterprises among our people will be far more vigorous than the monotonous measure in the past," Sanar observed. "I hope to see it."
The strong tug on her hand took her by surprise. She was out of her seat before she knew it.
"As to that." Hiaras's white teeth flashed briefly before she was drawn closer. "I would like to expand my future perception of you."
Sanar's breath caught at the look in Hiaras's eyes. "I...I..er," she stuttered, torn between wanting to give in to the fires she felt and dragging her feet a while longer, to be entirely sure of her choice.
"Dance with me."
It was hard to say no with those irresistible eyes on her. She let herself be drawn onto the dance floor. The music was louder, a much unwelcome intrusion. It was forgotten when Hiaras began to dance, invitation subtle but clear in her supple movements. The beat of the bass seemed to infuse her heart and being as she followed her partner, turning and swaying to the music that thrummed in time to their unspoken desires. The brief touches and embraces as they revolved about each other was tingling and sent shivers up her spine. The tension in her built. As if sensing it, Hiaras began to leave teasing deft touches along her arms, a soft breath at her neck, the warmth of a body behind her as she turned. The heat in those eyes beckoned, filled with promise, heightening the sensation in her nerves that she felt she must eventually explode or scream.
The sudden silence was deafening. She stared at Hiaras in shock, caught in her arms. Then she was pulled off the dance floor. It took her a moment to realise the music had ended when dancers and patrons of the nightclub cheered and whistled their approval of the piece. Within seconds, a different faster composition blared and the dancers picked up where they left off. Mind and senses still whirling in their siren song, she watched blankly as Hiaras swiped her omni-tool across the payment terminal at their table before she was towed out of the nightclub.
"Still here?" Hiaras chuckled when Sanar swayed.
The fresh air broke her out of the heady enchantment. She looked around them. They were standing at the promenade outside the nightclub, overlooking the floor below. The great ward arms spread out in glory against the darkness of space. Skycars glided to and fro. The sight steadied her.
"That was-," she began, somewhat surprised she could still speak.
All speech was forgotten when Hiaras pressed against her. All thoughts were thrown out as delight coursed through her. Lips lightly tasted her own before she invited a more thorough sampling. Fingers ran down her nape, desire flared stronger. She felt Hiaras responding when she lightly stroked her in the small of the back. They reached out mentally, aching to assuage their passions. She felt a sense of loss when Hiaras drew back.
"How shall it be then?" Hiaras caressed her face gently, resisting the urge to drag her off there and then to their rented apartment.
For months now they had taken the time to get to know each other, testing the waters, pulling and pushing. An inviting smile and a light touch was all that she allowed herself, keeping in check her own ardor. It had to be the right time to make a commitment. With the future looking more encouraging, she allowed her passion to blaze forth. She knew Sanar felt the same. They were both on the edge. They could either fly or continue as they were. Not something she was looking forward to but if Sanar did not feel she was ready, then she would have to resign herself to wait.
Rather than answer, how that would break the spell! Sanar kissed her and felt the tension eased. Smiling at the happiness in Hiaras's eyes, she tucked her arm under hers and they walked down the promenade to the lifts, making desultory remarks on their surroundings to distract themselves. In the lift, Sanar pulled Hiaras to a corner once it emptied partially on other floors so they would have a little space to themselves. She turned so she was standing flushed against Hiaras who had her arms around her. Stroking Sanar's arm soothingly, Hiaras glanced around them as the lift stopped again and more people trooped in. A familiar face among the newcomers caught her eye.
Feeling her stiffened, Sanar said, "What is it?"
Putting her lips near Sanar's neck, Hiaras murmured, ""It's Jieull. I thought she's on Thessia."
Where had Sanar heard that name before? "Who is..," she began to ask.
A pinch on her arm shut her up. Jieull. Who was Jieull? It sounded familiar. Then she remembered. Nyrine had said her contact with the detractors was Jieull, a researcher at the medical centre.
"What do you want to do?" she asked softly.
"Can you see her in the red and grey? Good, we'll tail her and see what she's up to."
From lowered eyelids, Sanar watched their quarry who was unaware of them. Nyrine had spoken of the meeting with her at the park and her threat so Jieull was likely to recognise her. Perhaps even Hiaras. After all, she was one of Aethyta's commandos. However, she and Hiaras were at the back corner. Unless they attract attention to themselves or Jieull decided to look around, they wouldn't be spotted.
Sanar kept her face partially hidden behind a large human male and prodded Hiaras when Jieull got off a few levels below the Presidium. They followed after, worming through the crowd with skill and exited to find themselves bombarded by a bewildering array of bright colourful holographic advertisements that blinked and glided. Thick in the air was the aroma of cooked food from food carts. In the background, vendors shouted loudly in strange tongues, endeavouring to attract customers. Their voices competed with and clashed with the confusing mishmash of music playing from acoustic players.
They stood for a moment, scanning for that red and grey outfit and spotted their quarry rapidly disappearing in the distance. Taking care to mingle with the crowd, they meandered along, keeping a respectable stretch between them and Jieull who moved with purpose down the promenade. Sanar could hardly keep her eyes from her surroundings. They were so unlike the placid pace of the Presidium. There was a frenetic like energy underlying everything. Robust and yet unnerving. The sounds, the smells, the voices. She glanced at the people around her. It was then she realised that the vendors and the crowd were human. There was hardly any other species to be seen. The looks thrown their way made her uneasy.
"We should consider another way of shadowing her." She turned to Hiaras who nodded.
"Struck you, didn't it?" Hiaras cast an eye around them. "This way. Quick," she said as she threaded her way through the crowd, pulling Sanar after her through a narrow passage behind some food carts.
It led them to a locked maintenance access hatch. The only way through was to hack it. Sanar kept a lookout. So far, the vendors of the food carts ignored them. If they hung around too long, they wouldn't be happy, she felt. She felt a tap on her shoulder. She hurriedly stepped through the unlocked hatch. Hiaras locked it again once it closed behind her.
"Up there." Hiaras waved at a flight of stairs which they took two at a time. "We might lose her," she muttered as she worked to unlock the door to the catwalks and sprang through impatiently when it slide open. Taking a moment to orient herself, she gestured in the direction they should go.
It was fortunate that neither of them were dressed in frills. Their muted coloured long tunics and pants blended in with the gloom. Below, no one noticed the pair as they ran along the catwalk, the sound of their passage lost in the cacophony below them. They scanned the crowd, moving quickly along when they could not see an asari dressed in red and grey. When they finally caught sight of her, she was beyond an intersection, still heading straight forward. They ran to the hatch to the next block. Locked. Sanar glanced around once more as Hiaras worked the lock. No one was on the catwalk and those along the promenade were still oblivious. When the hatch swished open behind her, she followed Hiaras and then abruptly halted in what looked like a maintenance stock room.
The humans in the stock room eyed the intruders for several seconds before knives appeared in their hands. None of them said anything but approached the two asari slowly. Clearly, they were not meant to be there either nor were they going to waste any time bandying words. Which was a pity since all Hiaras and Sanar wanted was to pass through the stockroom. Sanar wondered that they weren't armed with other weapons. Knives were messy. Hiaras didn't look at her but Sanar was aware of her intentions. She focused on the humans nearest to her.
At the slap on her left thigh, Sanar cast a biotic throw at the three facing her and charged at the closest human as he flew back against the stack of crates behind him. Before he had time to complete the bounce, she struck the side of his head. He fell like a tree, hitting the floor face down, unconscious. No doubt his nose would be blunted but that was not her concern. The second was still stunned when she reached him and was put out easily. The third was picking himself up and went down again when she hammered his back before striking in the same spot as she did with the other two.
When she looked up, not a single human was standing, they had all gone down without a sound. Hiaras grinned at her before dashing out of the room. Without a word, she pointed to Jieull when Sanar caught up to her. It took less than a minute to catch up to Jieull whose progress was hampered by the crowd but eventually, she headed towards the alleys behind the markets. Wary of alerting their quarry, they moved cautiously along the catwalk and stopped when Jieull reached someone standing in the shadows. Another asari. Tried as she might, Sanar could not make out her features until she shifted in agitation as words were exchanged.
"That's one of Tevos's assistants, Seskia" Hiaras hissed. "That's not good," she added when the two brought their omni-tools online, clearly exchanging information. "I'll get Jieull, you keep Seskia from running."
"Here?" Sanar leaned over to look along the alley. There were a handful of humans who didn't look like they would interfere in business not their own. "Why not."
At a signal from Hiaras, she dropped from the catwalk, using her biotics to effect a soft landing. Jieull was knocked out before she had time to realise there were intruders. Seskia simply froze where she was, saving Sanar the trouble of pinning her down. Hiaras glanced up and down the alley. The humans who were nearby stared in their direction for a moment before turning away which suited her just fine. Crouching down, she brought up the hacking programs in her omni-tool.
"What were you passing to her?" Hiaras demanded harshly as she keyed Jieull's omni-tool.
"N..nothing," Seskia stuttered. "You shouldn't..."
"No matter, I'll know soon enough," Hiaras said dismissively. "You, however, might want to start coming up with explanations to your employer."
"No, please, I...I didn't have a choice," said Seskia, her eyes pleading with Sanar. "Don't send me to C-Sec."
"That is not for us to decide." Hiaras grunted in satisfaction when the last firewall withered beneath the virus she released into Jieull's omni-tool and data began to flow. "Make it easy on yourself, what did you give her?"
Hands twisting in anxiety, Seskia stared down at the floor before glancing at Sanar and flinched at the frosty regard. "A vid," she whispered.
"A vid?" Sanar was sure there was more than that and pushed Seskia against the wall.
"And...and some reports!" Seskia added hastily. "That..that the councilor did not forward to the other representatives and ambassadors."
"How much longer?" Sanar cast another searching look up and down the valley. While she was certain the humans would not meddle, that did not necessarily mean no one would not make a report to station security.
"Done." Hiaras tapped a key to send a destroyer program into Jieull's omni-tool that would render the device useless. "Come on, let's get her out of here. I'm not leaving one of our own helpless in this ward, even if she's scum. I'll guard."
"You get the other side." Sanar bent to take one of Jieull's limp arms and glared when Seskia stared dumbly at her before hastily taking the other arm after a prod by Hiaras. Together, they hoisted the unconscious Jieull upright. "Where to?"
"Let's get out of this alley and find a cab," said Hiaras, leading the way.
It was easier said than done. Once out of the valley, they had to make their way through the crowd. With a dead weight, they made slow progress. Never before had Sanar seen so many humans packed together in one place. None tried to impede them though there were numerous curious glances directed their way. They probably thought a friend of theirs got drunk or sick. It took several minutes before Hiaras spotted the cab stand. They headed over to it with relief. A cab arrived swiftly to the summons. Sanar was more than glad to toss Jieull into the back seat. A hard stare from Hiaras sent Seskia to scurry after.
"Where are we taking Jieull?" Sanar asked curiously as Hiaras took the controls.
"You'll see."
"Oh please, can't you forget you saw me?" Seskia begged from the back.
"We can throw you off quietly, if you like that," Hiaras returned as the skycar lifted. That shut Seskia up though they could hear her fidgeting restlessly.
To Sanar's amusement, Hiaras's choice of dumping ground was an empty bench near C-Sec. The sight of the Citadel security headquarters was enough to bring fresh entreaties from Seskia who refused to budge from her seat, making it difficult to remove Jieull. However, they managed it without rousing suspicion and propped the unconscious researcher seated upright with an arm outstretch along the back of the bench. As Hiaras turned and walked away, Sanar hesitated before nicking Jieull's neck with a fingernail and returned to the cab. She shook out the bit of skin carefully into the credit chit pouch she kept in the pocket of her tunic.
The hour was late, the asari embassy was closed but Hiaras knew that Tevos tend to work late so she keyed in the embassies as the next destination. To Sanar's surprise, rather than being reduced to jelly, Seskia got out of the cab wordlessly when they arrived. Her downcast face a reflection of her resignation to whatever fate would befall her. Her personal code opened the main doors. They walked past silent desks to the Councilor's office where they could see the gleam of lights under the door. Hiaras hit the intercom and requested for entry.
Not expecting any visitors, the call was startling to Tevos. Switching to the security vids, she recognised her visitors at once. Why were they calling at such an hour? She keyed the the door open. Her gaze lingered on Seskia's distressed face before turning to Hiaras who saluted. Sanar hovered by the door, watching Seskia in case she decided to bolt.
"Apologies, councilor, for our intrusion but we have to bring your assistant to you on an important matter," said Hiaras.
"What is it?" Tevos looked at Seskia who could not meet her eyes. What had she done now?
"Passing diplomatic information to a third party. I have stripped all data and destroyed the person's omni-tool."
"I see," Tevos said quietly, her face inscrutable.
"I...I didn't mean to..," Seskia burst out and quailed when Tevos raised a hand.
"It is late, return to your quarters."
"But..councilor." Seskia stared at Tevos with panicked round eyes.
"Stay there until I summon you, do you understand?" Tevos emphasized heavily.
Seskia's face went pale but she nodded. Sanar stood aside as she turned and slowly walked out through the door. The councilor had her reasons for letting Seskia go and she wasn't about to ask why.
"Wait!" Hiaras said sharply, halting Seskia in her tracks. "I've to wipe everything from your omni-tool."
Seskia looked as if she was about to protest but a look from Tevos silenced her. She waited as Hiaras flushed her omni-tool of all data and left silently.
"What do you have?"
Tevos gave her attention to Hiaras who held out her own omni-tool. Clearing her console, she nodded to Hiaras to begin the download and glanced through the data. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the vid and brought it up to see it was a recording of her and Aria in the office. Caught at the moment when they kissed. She wasn't surprised really. Aria's visit was a potential mine her political rivals would not fail to make use of. They had been trying to scrap up as much dirt of her as they could over the years. The vid would be the device to destroy her position, her personality.
She dumped the vid and brought up the rest. Mostly information Aria had gathered on Cerberus that she kept from the other representatives. Cerberus was essentially a Systems Alliance problem. If the Alliance failed to control and resolve the issue, the others wouldn't be too happy to have somebody else's bane rampaging in their backyards. The damage and repercussions would be expansive. For the humans and for Thessia. The time to release such information however, was the Alliance's call, not hers.
She sat back and eyed Hiaras. "To whom was this information given to?" she asked as she turned over Aethyta's past remarks about this commando.
"One of the researchers on Thessia, a radical called Jieull." Hiaras saw the flash of recognition in Tevos's eyes. "Does the Councilor know of her?"
More than she wanted to know but Tevos did not say it aloud. "Only that she staunchly supports matriarch Trisio T'Enaire and her faction."
Sanar winced when she heard that name. Tevos closed off the console and keyed the encryption lock. She looked up in surprise when Hiaras stripped off her omni-tool and placed it before her.
"My omni-tool, Councilor. I am yours to command."
Tevos shook her head impassively, more than impressed with her integrity. "Keep it. I am well aware of your capabilities and this-," she touched the omni-tool lightly, "is essentially part of you. I would not cripple one of Aethyta's most capable commandos."
"It is a tool but not essential, it can be replaced. There are other gifts I can use," Hiaras corrected softly.
"Of course," Tevos nodded gravely, "but do keep it as a token of my regard." She watched as Hiaras tacked the omni-tool to its customary niche on her arm before turning to Sanar. "You are?"
Belatedly, Sanar realised she had not introduced herself. She saluted. "Lieutenant Sanar T'Enaire, your Eminence."
"Ah," Tevis nodded. "Your aid is greatly appreciated." She smiled at Sanar's embarrassed demur. "Seskia is a private matter I will see to," she continued. "The less said of her, the better." Neither asari standing before her said anything. She smiled approvingly. "What did you do with Jieull?"
"We left her outside C-Sec, unconscious," said Hiaras. "She didn't see our faces."
Lips twitching with amusement, Tevos could well imagine Jieull's reaction when she woke up. Glancing around her office, she wondered if Seskia had removed the bug. No matter, she would run a scan the morrow.
"It is late." She stood up. "We should all retire for the night."
"Would you need an escort, Councillor?" queried Hiaras.
"Thank you, no," Tevos declined the offer.
If Jieull were to think she had a hand behind the assault, she would do to leave well alone or risk having the ground cut out from under her. Given her circumstances, the researcher was close to losing everything. All that was needed was a push to tilt her over.
Hiaras and Sanar saluted. Tevos waited till the two had cleared the embassy before locking the outer offices. Hitting another key on her desk, she turned out the lights in her office before heading out to the skycar parked on the terrace outside. It was really late. She needed to clear her mind and centered herself. She wished Aria was waiting for her in her apartment but the pirate queen could not stay of course. There was the matter of Omega to settle. Their reunion was brief, as they both knew. Seize the moment. That was what they did. She pushed away the memories of that night and settled down to concentrate on her driving.
Streaming away in the opposite direction in another cab, Hiaras purged the recently downloaded data from her omni-tool. "What're you looking for?" She glanced at Sanar who was looking out of the window. "That little scrap you took from Jieull."
"I didn't think you'd notice." Sanar pulled out her credit chip pouch and regarded it sombrely. "A death sentence. If I'm right."
"If you can pin a wanted sign on her butt, the better. There, that's done," Hiaras muttered, closing down the omni-tool before slouching down in her seat. "Really looking forward to bed, our transport leaves in the morning."
Sanar returned the pouch to her pocket. She had forgotten they were to return to Thessia with Nyrine. She was looking forward to it. Nyrine especially, who had spent most of her convalesce trying to refine human and turian military doctrines. She was certain that given time, they would have troops as capable at assault and fortifying battle zones. With the deployment of the prothean scrambler, if it was successfully duplicated, the TI would be gone within a year. Thessia would flourish. Visions floated before her enticingly that she hardly noticed that they had reached their apartment until Hiaras nudged her before exiting the skycar.
Leaving her at the door, Hiaras disappeared into the bathroom. Stifling a yawn as she locked the door, Sanar shrugged out of her clothing as sounds of running water came to her. A little pang of disappointment ran through her. She turned to the bedroom, recalling the dance at the nightclub. Had Hiaras decided to put it off? A thought struck her. She turned and headed for the bathroom instead. Though clouds of steam obscured some of Hiaras's body, the pattern of scars that ran along her back raised a shiver. Scars she had of her own but none that told so fiercely of the trials Hiaras had gone through in her long career.
"Took you long enough." Hiaras glanced over her shoulder when she felt tentative fingers on her back, pleased that Sanar was finally initiating the next step. "Could use a scrub back there." She pretended disinterest that didn't fool Sanar one bit.
"Just a scrub?" Sanar ran a tongue teasingly down Hiaras's neck, smoothing hands from her back to her stomach and was pleased when she shivered.
"..or more." Turning around, Hiaras pulled her closer. "Much more."