"It's in the Euler System, Arcturus Stream." Trish stated as she sent the relevant extranet link through to Nikki's omni-tool. "I know you wanted to talk about it some more once I narrowed things down a bit but the company's eager for an answer on whether I'll take the job."

"Hey, we're talking now ain't we?" Shepard stated as she leant back in her bunk, scrolling through the information. "Hmm, the main colony's older than me. That's good, means they'll have solved all those annoying early teething problems."

"Because you never have problems with your teeth anymore." Trish couldn't help commenting but Nikki ignored her.

"Gravity, 1.14g, that's good... Finally! Somewhere warm."

"You don't think it'll be too hot do you?"

"Babe, I'm Mindoirian. I'd happily go swimming in the sun but no-one's found a way to get me back out again yet."

Trish chuckled. She never knew how her girlfriend could come up with so many quips so quickly and seemingly without effort, but her ability to make her laugh was one of the many, many things she loved about the raven haired marine.

"Besides I'm sure there'll be air con inside the buildings." Nikki continued. "Now whether or not you can handle the heat after so long on miserable old Earth remains to be seen. It's your call babe, but from where I'm sitting it looks perfect. Certainly can't get any closer to Arcturus and still be habitable. Well, not without enviro-suits at least. What about the job, is it something you actually want to do? I don't want you settling for something mundane just because the location's right."

"Ha, hardly. It's with Kassa Fabrication."

"Kassa... I thought they specialised in armour?" Nikki queried as she pulled up a new extranet search.

"They do but they're branching out into omni-tools. Brand new division and I'll be project lead. I get to design a brand new product from scratch, no more trying to improve someone else's shitty design."

"Hey, don't insult the bluewire babe, I'm talking to you on one after all."

"Yeah, I know. Note the second and a half lag and lack of video, you're only two relay jumps away. An audio only call shouldn't be that bad, and it would be even worse if I didn't fiddle around upgrading your 'tool every time you come home. You've got the most advanced bluewire in the galaxy right now and I could still make something better."

"Well, sounds like now's your chance. You- Ooohh... Tell me you get staff discount?"

There was a laugh.

"What've you found?"

"Armageddon shotgun. That's some impressive stats."

"I'd save your money a little longer on that. They're working on an improved model, even more damage and better cooling systems so it doesn't overheat so quick." Trish revealed.

"Need someone to field test the prototype?"

"They're not at that stage yet. I'll pass the message on if I take the job though."

"If? What do you mean if? Why wouldn't you? Think of the discount! Come on babe, I mean... the location's perfect, you sound excited about the job, what's the catch? Is it a shit salary or something? "

"Hmm, money's a little higher than what I'm on at the moment but not massively so considering the extra responsibility. If it were still on Earth I'm not sure it would be worth it, but it's predominantly an agri colony. Food's cheaper, housing's cheaper, the whole cost of living is lower. Still trying to work out how exactly the taxes work, but I think financially we'd be much better off."

"Then what's the problem? They don't make employees take a vow of celibacy do they?"

"Ha, no. I just... want to be certain. Like you said, it sounds perfect. With our luck? I don't quite trust it. It almost seems too good to be true."

"Maybe. Or maybe it's just time things went our way for once. Look... Don't let me or anyone else pressure you. You're the brains in this relationship, do some more research, dig a little deeper, make sure the office isn't built on top of a sinkhole or something. Check out your other options and make the decision that's right for you. Just... don't let fear hold you back from something awesome. Ok?"

"Ok. Thanks Nikki."

"Anytime, that's what I'm here for. How long have you got to accept the offer anyway?"

"Two weeks. Then they'll want me to start within a month."

"Shit. I won't be able to get time off to help you move."

"I know. Don't worry. There's these people who's entire job is to move other people's stuff around."

"Yeah, I suppose you could do that. You looked into houses yet?"

"Briefly, not properly though. I wanted to do that together. At least send you the estate agent's links so we can talk through them, find something we both like. Most of it seems to be prefabs, but still..."

"Yeah I'd like that. It'll take time though, what are you going to do in the meantime if you accept?"

"I can stay at a hotel for a bit. Put most of my stuff in storage. Mum's willing to look after Jude for a month or two."

Nikki smiled. For someone who wasn't certain about accepting, Trish had sure put a lot of thought into how to make this work.

"Hotel's aren't cheap." The soldier warned.

"Yeah well, Kassa's offered to pay the first month while I get settled into colony life."

"Damn, they really want you to say yes. We're talking a proper hotel right, not some dive?" There was a ping on her omni-tool and she looked down at the link to the hotel website. She gave a low whistle. "Do you think you could negotiate for three months and a double bed? I'm sure your mother can look after the dog a bit longer."

Trish laughed but cut off when she heard another alert on Nikki's tool, she hadn't sent anything else. There was a moment's silence before the soldier gave a whispered: "Shit," and Trish had a pretty good idea what was coming next.

"Sorry babe, I got to go. Duty calls."

"Ok, be careful." She knew better than to ask what was going on, and no matter how much she hated it when their talks were interrupted, she knew there was no point arguing about it.

"Of course, I'll text you later. Love you."

"Love you too. Bye." She severed the connection, taking a moment to refocus on what she had to do today rather than what Nick might be about to get into.

She glanced down in surprise as her omni-tool pinged. For a moment she thought it was just junk mail, then she realised the advert had had the company slogan replaced with the words [Staff discount?] and she shook her head with a smile.

...

There was a knock at the door and Shepard just managed to avoid hitting her head on the work top as she stood up. She knew it wasn't Trish, not only did her partner have a key but she was still living at the hotel and had work today.

Nikki had hoped to surprise her this morning before work, but she'd still been stuck in orbit trying to land.

Then she'd had to drop Judy off in quarantine. They'd have to wait another day before they could pick her up, but it was better than the months of quarantine that had been necessary on Earth back in the 20th century and that had just been for traveling between countries!

Still, that was no bad thing. At least it gave Nick time and space to get everything set up in the house.

She finally made it to the front door, opening it to reveal a young lad with blond hair. Well ok, so he was probably mid twenties, about her age give or take a couple years at most, but he looked young. He held out a hand.

"Hi, I'm Ben. I live next door."

"Shepard. Uh, I mean Nikki."

"Alliance huh?"

"That obvious?"

"Kind of... plus my cousin's in the marines, he's got one of those tops too."

Nikki chuckled at her own oversight. The heat of the colony had allowed her to forgo her usual hoody and jeans combo in favour of shorts and a tank top. Her wardrobe lacked diversity in that department however and the clothing in question was part of her PT kit.

"Riiight, what can I do for you Ben?"

"Err, actually I came to ask if you needed a hand with anything?"

The soldier looked bemused, almost incredulous, at the idea that there might be anything she might not be capable of doing herself.

"Not that you need any help obviously…" He was quick to clarify. "I just saw all the delivery men clear out far too quickly to have helped set up and... Well, it's my day off and there's not exactly anything else to do around here..."

She looked at him appraisingly before shrugging.

"Hell, who turns down free labour? Can't guarantee you'll be any less bored though. Come on in, you can pass me my tools. If you're good I might even let you move some heavy boxes later."

He shot her a wondrous grin and traipsed in after her. She was already maneuvering herself into the small gap she'd vacated earlier, but only after making sure her top was tucked in so it couldn't ride up and expose her scar.

Didn't want to give the kid nightmares after all.

Or maybe it was more that she wasn't in the mood for questions and awkward pity from a stranger.

"So, is there really nothing else better to do around here?" Nikki enquired as Ben stood awkwardly above her waiting for instructions.

It wasn't that he regretted coming in or anything, just that with her head under the counter he was left with the sight of vast quantities of bare skin and impressively sculptured muscles and he wasn't quite sure where to look.

The thought that she could probably kill him without breaking a sweat wasn't as much of a turn off as it should have been either.

"Well there's a paintballing site on the other side of Joughin. We can go there sometime if you like?"

"Pliers." She requested and he was quick to obey. "Sorry, I've only got a couple days leave to sort out the house for Trish and Jude, then I'm back to the fleet."

"Oh, never mind then..." He felt a trickle of disappointment before he replayed her words, counting the number of names and finding a new spark of hope. "Hey, you want to go into town tonight instead?"

"You got somewhere in mind? Crosshead screwdriver, the little one."

"Yeah, the Tavern plays live music Tuesdays and Fridays. Most of the time it's pretty good."

"Tavern, huh? Real original name. I'll have to check with Trish, but I don't see why not."

"So is Trish like your sister or-"

"Girlfriend."

"Oh, OH... I didn't realise you were gay."

Nikki noticed something in his voice and frowned in confusion. It's the 22nd century for fuck's sake, what's your problem?

"Alliance don't give a damn whether or not we are straight, so long as we can shoot straight."

"Shit no, that's not what I meant, it's all cool. I just... assumed you were single."

"Assumed... are you calling me ugly now?"

"NO! I..." He groaned, burying his head in his hands in despair and mortification, unable to see the teasing twinkle in her eye that gave away the fact she wasn't really upset. Even if it had taken her far too long to cotton on to where the conversation was heading.

Despite now knowing it was pointless Ben found himself admitting: "You're beautiful, I was trying to ask you out."

There was silence as he stewed in his own foolishness, the soldier not quite sure how to respond. She remained silent as she started wriggling herself back out, glad at least to be able to cross one more thing off her to-do list. It was Ben that ended up speaking first yet again.

"So uh... Trish and Jude, have you got a kid or are you guys poly?"

There was a sharp peal of laughter that left him even more bewildered before she brought herself back under control enough to explain.

"Jude's a dog. I suppose you could argue she's our fur baby but we're definitely not sleeping together. At least... Trish better not be sleeping with her! Now do you want me to requisition a shovel or are you going to stop digging?"

"Yeah that might be a good idea." He murmured and Shepard finally took pity on him.

"Tell you what Ben, I won't tell Trish you hit on me so long as you promise to never try and hit on her."

He nodded, still embarrassed, and she lightly punched him on the arm playfully. He looked up to see a devilish grin on her face.

"Now, don't get the wrong idea here or anything, but do you want to help me make the bed?"

He chuckled ruefully as he accepted her hand up and they went back to work, throwing the occasional joke or insult at each other along the way.

...

Nikki lay on her back on the hood of Trish's car with her eyes shut, basking in the late afternoon sun with a smile on her face as she waited semi-patiently.

At least... she hoped it was Trish's car!

Her partner had decided against importing the old one from Earth and got a new model instead and since Nikki still hadn't seen any pictures of it yet, she couldn't be 100% certain she was sprawled across the right vehicle.

An increase in background noise signaled an end to the work day, unknown voices chattering away as people entered the carpark, engines starting up and cars driving away.

After a couple of minutes the sounds faded back to their previous quiet levels but she refused to entertain any doubt about her plan's chance of success. Even if a traitorous part of her brain did start running through contingency options.

An extremely close thud was her only warning before she sensed a presence climbing onto the car and heard a familiar voice.

"You lied to me... Again!"

"Did I?" Nikki asked without opening her eyes.

"You said I'd get to see you and Jude on the 24th, today's only the 23rd."

"Well that's hardly lying, you will see us on the 24th. I never said you wouldn't see me today." She finally twisted her head towards the voice and opened her eyes to reveal Trish laid on her side next to her. The older woman trying, and failing, to look annoyed. "Hi."

"Hi." Trish moved closer for a kiss, Nikki rolling her body over to match the angle of her head as she happily reciprocated. They parted, gazing into each other's eyes, Trish gently brushing hair out the soldier's face. "You know, one day you're going to do this once too often and I'm going to be very disappointed when you don't turn up early."

"If you want me to stop doing it you only have to ask." Came the soft reply and Trish shook her head.

"Well, seeing as you are here, what do you want to do now?"

"Lots of things, but there are cameras in the carpark." Nikki shot back without missing a beat, earning herself a laugh, a light shove to the shoulder and a peck on the cheek all in response to the same sentence.

Before either of them could come up with a comeback they were interrupted by the gurgling of a stomach desperately trying to seek attention.

"So, what do you want to do for dinner? We could go back to your swanky hotel and order room service or I can knock something up at home?"

"You already did a food shop?"

Nikki nodded and Trish held an internal debate. A few weeks ago it would have been no contest but by now she'd sampled every interesting sounding meal at the hotel and she always enjoyed anything Nick made for her. She briefly wondered whether culinary expertise was hereditary before dismissing it as unimportant.

"Let's head home, I want to see what you've done to the place."

...

"So... I probably should warn you. I may have made a slight tactical error earlier." Nikki stated as they entered the front door.

Oh no, what's she done now? Trish wondered. Picturing broken furniture that Nikki was determined she could carry on her own, or wet paint or glue from where she started a project without checking how much time she had left or how long it took to dry.

"Did you forget to make the bed?"

"No, I made the bed."

"The shower? We better have a working shower."

Nikki chuckled.

"All essential electrical appliances are installed and working... Except the TV. I've not even started on the living room yet. I did say 'slight' remember. I just saw something while I was shopping and had to get them for you, buuut I kinda forgot we hadn't finished unpacking yet."

They finally reached the kitchen and Trish pulled up short at the sight, desperately trying not to laugh as Nikki wrapped her up in a hug from behind, resting a chin on her shoulder.

Before her was a simply stunning set of flowers. Placed in the very centre of the kitchen table... In a blender.

"I don't suppose you can remember which box you packed the vases in?" Nikki asked innocently.

Trish finally lost her battle, laughing as she twisted her head round to gift a kiss.

"They're beautiful... What are they?"

"Flowers." Came the predictable response, the teasing tone making clear that she did know the actual answer but was just being facetious. "Ow! No need to elbow me in the dragon."

"Aww, want me to kiss it better for you?"

"Not if you actually want me to make some dinner tonight." Nikki warned, before answering the original question. "They're Common Irssal."

"Common to where?"

"Thessia. Give them a smell."

Trish followed her partner's instruction, inhaling a pleasant honey like fragrance.

"Mmhmm, now I want pancakes."

Nikki laughed, finally releasing her hold round Trish's waist as she headed for the fridge.

"Good thing I did a food shop then." She paused, turning round with a bottle of milk in one hand and eggs in the other to check: "Is that madam's final order?"

Trish nodded before suddenly changing direction and shaking her head with a smirk.

"Concerning the food at least."

There was the faintest hint of a blush across the soldier's face as she turned with a grin, heading to the counter to start mixing the ingredients together. Trish followed, mirroring their earlier position in reverse as she wrapped her arms round the younger woman.

"This is perfect. Thank you."

"Careful, I've still got time to burn the pancakes."