I want to apologize for the hiatus, my computer bit the dust and I had to let my corporate office play with it for two weeks to get it back up and running. So sorry!
And thank you Miss Amyress, for always knowing when to tell me to shut up and post. )
Just a note, when you see this
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It means there is a pov shift.
When you see this
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It means some time has passed. Just in case it wasn't clear. :)
Once I got past the bouncer, I was stopped by a guy in hysterics looking for tickets to see some band, Expel 10, in concert. At first I was annoyed but then he mentioned an Asari was interested in the band so I humored him, finding out that they were a 'sensory band that crawled into your mind' and apparently the Asari loved them. His glazed over look and obvious obsession convinced me he was under my quarry's spell so I filed the info away for later.
Once I assured him I had no tickets, I was able to slip away to get into the proper mindset. Normally that would only take me a minute but, for some reason (aka John Shepard), it was proving difficult to focus. I closed my eyes and did some breathing exercises, visualizing the emotion flowing out of me and bringing in clarity. Taking a few more breaths, I was feeling pretty confident so I headed toward the bar area.
Slowly, I sauntered around, scanning the area. Not immediately spotting any suspicious Asari, I continued to move through the crowd until I reached the dance floor.
"Come on baby, I have creds," I heard a male voice, a very Turian male voice, whine. "We'll go back to my place, I have simple tastes…" Knowing that tone, I gave the area one last glance before I turned to see what was going on.
"Back off asshole," a young Asari shoved the 'smooth talker' in the chest, "I'm a dancer, not a hooker!"
Her response only seemed to entice him. "You got a mouth on you," he said gleefully, "I'll enjoy watching you use it!"
I couldn't take another second, stepping between them I glared menacingly at the obviously intoxicated man, "She wants no part of you," I practically growled, "I suggest you take the hint and move on."
He scoffed, "You want in on this transaction? I don't care if it's you or this bitch, I just like good times."
As he took another step toward me my lips curled into a snarl. I'm going to enjoy this.
As soon as he was in range I jabbed him in the throat, sending him into a choking fit. As he bent over, struggling to breathe, a hard kick to the face sent him flying across the dance floor and onto his back, blissfully unconscious. I walked over and nudged him with my foot to confirm, then looked over at the young dancer.
She smiled at me gratefully, "Thanks for that, security was asleep." I nodded and she walked away.
I walked up to the bar and ordered a shot, downing it quickly before heading back to the dance floor. An intoxicated Asari gave me a wink and a nod as she attempted to move with the music so I smiled and began dancing with her.
Once the song ended and another started up I gave her a small wave and stepped off the floor. As I headed for the seating area, an Asari stepped out from the shadows, one who bore a striking resemblance to Samara. Here we go...
"My name is Morinth," she purred, "I've been watching you. You're the most interesting person in this place. I've got a booth over here in the shadows," she nodded in the direction of a table behind her, "Why don't you come sit with me?"
Saying nothing, I simply smiled, nodded and followed. As soon as she'd spoken to me my hackles rose, instinct screaming at me to get as far away from her as possible. I had to use controlled breathing to calm them so I could even continue after her.
When we reached the large, half-round booth, she sat on one side and I sat opposite her, crossing my legs and looking around subtly before making eye contact. Patience, let her be the aggressor. You just need to get her back to her apartment.
Seemingly bored, she let out a small sigh, "Some nights I come here and there's no one interesting to talk to. Some nights, there's just one person." She tilted her head in question. "Tonight it's you, why is that?"
I sat back, shrugging, "I felt the need to get out, have a few drinks and be surrounded by some good music." My lips curled. "Great minds think alike."
Morinth smiled back, "Do they? What am I thinking now?" Ok, time to poke the hive.
Feigning looking at her closely, I nodded, "You're thinking you'd like another drink, but what's in front of you is far more enticing." I adjusted an arm, just barely pushing up my cleavage but when her eyes moved to it her smile subtly widened before she looked up again. I took the opportunity to move along the conversation. "I have to say, I enjoy the music here but it doesn't compare to Expel 10."
Morinth instantly became excited, "They get in my head and tear it to pieces. They're in concert soon, maybe we should go together."
I noted that she seemed sincere in her wish to go to the concert, but there was still a hint of duplicity in her voice. That and something else, something I couldn't quite put my finger on but it made me uneasy.
The air in the room suddenly felt thicker. I took a deep breath in through my nose to check for some kind of change, but it seemed fine. Then I thought maybe there was something in my eyes, there was a mist in the air around Morinth, so I closed them tight then opened them quickly to clear them. I could still see it and that heaviness didn't go away either.
I looked back into my companion's eyes and the look she was giving me made me… warm. Too warm.
She sighed again, "I like the music here too, you can lose yourself." She paused, her expression going placid again, then continued, "There are also ways to enhance that." Her grin told me she was shifting gears, testing me. Game face on.
I nodded, "Like Hallex?"
Morinth's eyes got wide, "It slithers through my soul." Her expression became thoughtful. "Seems like we share some interests."
I looked away, as if considering something, but it was to try to regain some control over my body. Between my rising temperature and the heaviness of the room, I almost felt lightheaded. Almost, but it wasn't quite that, it was… something else.
I looked back at her, "Alright, then what do you think of the artist Forta, the elcor?"
Her surprise at my comment turned to elation, "I didn't think anyone around here knew him. He's sublime." She shifted her posture and continued, "Art comes in so many varieties, I've seen vids that were more powerful than a sculpture sitting in some gallery."
Her voice is… I blinked a few times, trying to focus. No, snap out of it. She's...
My body moved of its own volition as I leaned forward, resting a forearm on the table in front of me, "Have you seen Vaenia?"
Her grin became dark, almost sinister but I felt like she was… beautiful, "My favorite, " she replied, "The two actresses on it are so glamorous." Her voice was like satin, brushing across my shoulders and up my neck, leaving behind a sensitized trail... like a lover's tongue across bare skin. No, wait, this is not... I need to take back control.
"I've heard great things," I replied, unintentionally lowering my voice to just above a whisper, "I'll have to make sure to watch it now."
"Maybe we could do that together," she responded, matching my tone. Her eyes, I couldn't stop staring into her eyes. You are the predator, she is the prey. Your objective, remember your objective. Change the subject, maybe that will help.
"I've travelled quite a bit in my time, what about you?" I asked as I pinched my leg under the table, hard. Come on, Sam, snap out of it. FOCUS.
"It changes you, doesn't it?" she asked, keeping her voice low, her eyes hooded.
Shit, this is not good, "Of course, encountering strange places and different people tend to do that. But it's only made me stronger."
Her interest seemed to peak, "I'll bet you've seen and done things most people couldn't imagine." Still struggling to maintain control of myself, I simply gave her a nod and stared back at her. She sighed, "When I travel, I find myself drawn to dark, dangerous places."
Barely following her line of thought, I shrugged, "Anything else is dull. Besides, you don't truly know yourself until you've looked death in the face… and beat it."
"Mmm, violence. The surest expression of power." Her eyes glittered with the promise of things to come.
Feeling more than hearing what she said, I felt my body temperature rising again and swallowed, trying to bring everything back under control. Frustrated with the entire situation, I looked down and noticed that at some point I'd uncrossed my legs so I brought them back together and looked up at her. Once again her eyes grabbed hold of me and I felt that cloud slowly come down over my head. I am so fucked...
"Power," I paused, still straining every muscle I had to keep them in check, "The word itself holds so much meaning, but no matter where you are in the galaxy, it is the ultimate goal."
"Do you want to get out of here?" she asked hurriedly. "My apartment is nearby... and I want you alone," she whispered, her words slithering across my skin and making me unusually warm in other places.
Ready for the charade to end, I nodded toward the exit and slowly stood, making sure my legs held up and walked as close to her as possible. I was so relieved the rouse had worked I suddenly felt more confident, so when my hand unintentionally brushed hers I glanced in her direction, making sure she caught my look then set my eyes back on our path. Skin on skin contact was a great way to enhance someone's interest and being caught staring was a bonus but I soon realized she had already turned the tables on me.
Her proximity was absorbing, pulling on my insides, making me want more, and her scent was engulfing me even though I could have sworn I detected no perfume when we first met. Feeling my control slipping, I bit the inside of my cheek, using the pain to try to bring me back to reality. You are the predator, she is the prey. She is a killer and you have to complete your objective. John…
The door to Morinth's flat closed behind us and everything went black.
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"Sam, Sam come in. Cough if you can hear me," John whispered insistently into the comms. Getting no response, he looked anxiously at Samara who was keeping stride with him as they hurried toward Morinth's layer. "We have to move," he said and broke out into a run.
Rounding the corner, he stopped in front of the Asari's door, motioning to the Justicar. Taking the hint, Samara stepped in front of it and powered up her biotics, blowing the thing completely off.
As he rushed past her and into the apartment he saw Morinth straddling Sam on the couch. The smaller human sat completely still, her arms at her sides and her eyes black, as a tiny, strangled cry came from her mouth.
Enraged, John aimed his gun at the Ardat-Yakshi's back, "Get the fuck off her, NOW!"
Just then, a blast of blue shot into his view, sending Morinth flying across the room and into a window. The glass cracked profusely as the Asari's body was pressed into it by the blue energy but Sam didn't move, her eyes still black and mouth partially open.
John holstered his weapon and rushed across the room, cradling Samatha's head in one hand while the other searched for signs of life, "Shit, she's not breathing and I can't find a pulse!"
"Get her out of here Shepard," the Justicar ground out, obviously struggling to hold her daughter in place. "I will finish this."
Barely keeping his panic at bay, John picked up Sam's prone form from the couch and made his way out the door Samara had decimated. Diana is two blocks over, she'll be safe there.
Afraid for Samara and terrified for Sam, John kicked the door a few times, "Diana, please, it's John Shepard, please, open up!"
The door slid open to reveal a surprised Diana, "Commander, what-"
Not willing to waste any time, John breezed by her, resting Samantha on the sofa then turning to the other woman, "I will be right back, can you please just keep her here?" He looked down at Sam, swallowing the lump in his throat, "She's injured and I don't know how badly."
Diana moved to stand next to John, putting a hand on his arm, "It was that Asari, wasn't it?" He glanced at her and nodded. Her expression hardening, she returned the nod. "Of course, I'll keep her safe. Go." John nodded, gave the unconscious woman one last glance then ran back out the door.
When he got back to Morinth's apartment, the two Asari were locked in a biotic battle. Neither stronger than the other, they were both pinned and unable to overcome their prisons.
"You," Morinth called, "Help me and I will give you anything you ask! Anything you require, it's yours!"
"I am already sworn to help you Shepard," Samara shouted, "Let us finish this!"
Without hesitation, John glared at Morinth, "That woman you had pinned to the sofa?" He pulled out his HMW and aimed it at her chest. "This is from her."
When he pulled the trigger, he made sure it wasn't a kill shot, just something to cause her as much pain as possible and disable her. She fell to the ground like a rag doll, satisfying him greatly.
He'd decided he would leave her life in Samara's hands, she'd waited centuries to catch her daughter and he wouldn't take that from her. Needing to see with his own eyes the person who'd hurt Sam was truly dead, he watched intently as the older Asari wished her child to find peace then smashed her head in.
Good.
"Sorry to cut this short," he crossed the room and put a hand on Samara's arm, "but I left Sam at Diana's and she was in bad shape."
The Asari nodded, "Of course, let's go."
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When they reached the tiny apartment, Diana was sitting on the couch with Sam's head in her lap. Worry had overtaken the mother's expression as she caressed the unconscious woman's face. No…
"Shepard," Samara had her hand on John's arm, trying to get his attention. "I can try to meld with her, see if I can bring her back…"
John shook his head, not taking his eyes off Samantha, "I don't think another invasion of her mind would do much good," he said, then realized how that could have been taken, "Samara, I…"
She smiled, a knowing smile, and gestured to their ally, "I understand. See if you can wake her. If not I will meld just long enough to bring her out of it then we can get her to Dr. Chakwas."
John nodded then looked to Diana. She smiled and lifted Sam's head, just enough for her to get out from under her, then rested it back on the couch. Going into another room, she closed the door behind her.
He lifted Sam up off the couch then turned to sit, resting her on his lap. He cradled her head and checked for a pulse. Strong and steady, he sighed with relief then, looking at her sleeping face, guilt settled in. This is my fault. He leaned her against his chest then rested his cheek on her forehead, slowly rubbing her back in an attempt to rouse her.
"Sam, please, wake up…"
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This has to be a dream, it can't be real, I thought as I stared at my surroundings. Darkness enveloped me but for some reason I could see my own body as if there were a spotlight aimed at it. Looking up, I saw no such thing, just an inky blackness that seemed to ebb and flow, as if it had a life of its own. At least the snakes are gone, I shivered at the thought.
After walking into Morinth's apartment, all I could remember was the feeling of slithering inside my brain, then pain. Excruciating pain all over my body, like electricity pumping through my veins non-stop. Snakes writhing around in my mouth, choking me as they slithered into my skull and a searing scourge pulsing throughout my being, it lasted for what seemed like forever...
Then suddenly it all stopped, and I was on the floor, in a darkened room. Alone.
I'll deal with all that later, for now I have to focus. Pushing all that aside, I realized I had to take some kind of action. Ok, think.
Leaning on my hand and my hip, my legs were curled alongside me. I tried to straighten them out but they didn't move. Great, guess I'm going nowhere. I reached out to touch them but my 'hands' felt nothing. This is either a dream or I'm stuck in my own head. Considering who I just went home with, probably the latter.
I continued to look around but the darkness was all I could see, swirls of smoke flowing into odd directions, as if it were moving independently of the air. Ok, I can't just sit here. FOCUS!
Blocking everything else out, I honed in on myself. My body, my mind, I visualized it surrounded by a light blue cloud of warmth and healing. I let it flow through me, pushing out the negative and pulling in the relief.
But the snakes weren't done with me.
I sensed them before I saw them, my eyes popping open. Sneaking into my safe space, they slithered across the floor toward me as I watched in terror. They penetrated my skin and crawled into my chest, wrapping around my heart and squeezing. Using the meditation technique, I tried to force them out, but was only successful in getting rid of some. The rest latched on and refused to let go.
Just then a scent permeated the darkness. Is that… I breathed in through my nose and smiled.
John!
Ecstatic, I held on to the blue that surrounded me and kept pumping it into my body. Relaxed breath in, relaxed breath out and the snakes' hold on me started to loosen.
I was exhausted, unable to see anymore and also unable to move but I could feel a warmth around me. It wasn't like the one I'd drawn on, it was more intense. Not so much a physical heat, more like an emotion.
I tried to open my eyes to no avail, whatever spell I was under wasn't done with me yet. All I could do was take in the scent of John and the emotion all around me, that and hope I would be able to snap out of it.
Then I felt a hand on my back, slowly moving up and down, and the smell of John's cologne was more intense. Struggling, desperate to awaken, I grit my teeth and tried to growl, doing anything I could to snap out of it.
Just then, something did snap and I felt someone's breath on my face.
A bit groggy and still fearful of the snakes, I took a breath and slowly opened my eyes. I looked around a little and, not quite recognizing my surroundings, I tried to move but felt strong arms holding me still. I turned my head enough to see the neck of John's armor and my body stiffened, embarrassment flooding through me but I couldn't help but relax when I heard his voice.
"Hey," he whispered, giving me a squeeze as he looked down at me, "how do you feel?"
I just stared up at him, not feeling quite safe enough to smile, "Head hurts," I whispered. And I have a feeling those snakes will be back.
He nodded and lifted me in his arms, "I'll get you to the doc, she'll fix you up in no time."
"Samantha," I heard Samara's voice from behind me. John turned so I could see her, the expression on her face one of remorse and gratitude. "Thank you, you put yourself in great peril to assist me and I truly appreciate it."
I nodded, "I'd do it again." My words or my expression must have unsettled her because she became more concerned and looked at John.
"You should get her back to the ship," she urged, "I will thank Diana and explain everything to her. She deserves at least that."
John nodded, "Agreed. See you back at the Normandy."
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"Well, physically, you look fine," Doctor Chakwas said as she looked over her datapad. Physically, why would she say that word specifically?
"But…" I looked at her expectantly. There's more to it, I can tell by her expression. Her eyebrows knit together when she doesn't like what she sees. I waited, knowing she would tell me when she had it all formulated in her mind. Eventually.
She hummed to herself, scrolling through the information she'd gotten from the battery of tests she'd performed. I'd been on that scanning table for almost an hour so I knew she had a lot to sort out. I'd been there so long she even got tired of John's questions and kicked him out. She was right though, physically I felt fine. Neck and back muscles were a little stiff but nothing a little exercise and stretching wouldn't cure.
But then there was my head. I was still foggy and I couldn't let go of the anxiety those snakes had caused. I could still see them crawling across the floor toward me, feel them slithering around inside my brain, my chest, my mouth…
Silently I gagged a little then sighed, this shit had better go away, "Come on, Doc, what's the story?" My frustration came out in that sentence but it wasn't aimed at her and she knew it, her eyes slowly moving up to meet mine with a mock sneer. I stuck out my lower lip in apology.
Giving me that 'sad mom' look, Doc smiled, "I know you're eager for answers and probably sick of sitting here, why don't you go clean up and get something to eat? I'll call for you when I have something."
My discontentment with that statement burst forth, "Oh my God Doc, just tell me what you see."
She was shocked, probably at my tone, but I couldn't hold it back. There was something going on in my head, something I could feel, something that was affecting my every thought and action, and I needed to know every detail to try to fix it.
Please let there be a way to fix it.
Doc sighed, then turned to allow me to see her data pad, "Ok...
"Here is what I know."