*****A Cursed Existence*****

Entry 11: What's the Worst That Could Happen?

AN: Yeah, so… the less said about the wait, the better. In good(?) news: finally in the Air Force proper! Yaaaayyy…

Now before I internally debate the pros/cons of this life choice and derail my train of thought, let's just get into the story once more. Here's hoping I've still got the magic touch…

December 11th, 2182, 9:09 am. (3 days later)

Slowly coming back to awareness, I had to fight the urge to wince at the glaringly bright light outside my room's window.

Owwwww… the hell happened? I asked into the void, feeling nothing but a headache in answer. Was I doing something last night? Think, Miri: I'd just come back from the last meeting I had scheduled, was invited by one of the locals from Armali Council to some sort of get-together celebrating a random CEO's retirement, went to it to build some new connections, was handed a glass of aged cider from the man's personal vineyard as we started toasting, and… oh… wait, one drink? Seriously? Even if I don't drink, there's no way my tolerance is that low. Unless there was something else in the cider besides alcohol…

A blurry memory from the night prior helpfully bubbled up, showing, if I had to guess, the end result of the party: dozens of people of various species either sprawled out on the ground asleep, vomiting in the conveniently placed disposal bins, inhaling what was very clearly a drug of some sort, staggering off together with one or more beings to what looked suspiciously like bedrooms, and then there was the final group… who were actively making out with each other, searching and grasping their partner's or multiple partners' bodies even through clothing, who were just shy of turning into the fourth group. To my absolute disgust, I was a member of this group, if the vague memories of some human male and female pair, along with an asari, in partially removed clothes were anything to go off of.

You know, I wouldn't normally be upset about being dragged into an orgy, but I want to at least remember it dammit! This would've been my first one! I don't even remember their faces, much less their names! Goddess, the things they could do though…

Shaking off the half remembered imagery, and decidedly ignoring the pleasant ache in certain parts of my body, I forced myself up with a growl and stalked towards the bathroom, briefly catching Aena recharging in a corner. A quick once-over told me she was partially covered in a – now dry – dark tan liquid that smelled even from here, and I very much so hoped it didn't come from me.

Poor thing… I'll have to give her a proper scrub-down once she's done charging, I decided, feeling a mix of shame and embarrassment at my actions, which were no doubt what lead to her current condition. Then my headache returned, and I had to suppress a groan. Now that I think about it, she's probably the only reason I'm back here, and not in bed with a trio of fresh made corpses… God, I hate being an asari sometimes…

Returning to my original objective, I marched on to the bathroom, longing for a dip in the hot tub. It didn't help that I just felt sticky, which was probably a side effect of remembering my recent escapades… either that, or I really was sticky.

"I truly do despise corporate 'retirement ceremonies'…" I muttered, my entire body agreeing with the sentiment, which effectively sealed a decision I'd been internally debating. "Ya know what though? It seems about time I left Noveria. Rather not tempt fate in case I get invited to another party…"

December 11th, 2182, 4:03 pm. (6 hours, 54 minutes later)

"-and all the appropriate deals have been finalized?" I asked Aena while checking myself over in the bathroom mirror, still chasing nonexistent dust or lint wherever I believed it was hiding on my dress – it was, after all, the same black dress I wore during my arrival, so I figured I'd wear it again while leaving.

"Yes Mistress," was her response from the other room, as she was busy packing everything up.

"What about that shipment? You had the new VI store it properly, right?" I asked, referencing the weapons delivery a few days ago. I'd have asked before now, but given how busy I was, it had slipped my mind.

"Yes Mistress," she answered.

"And the ship? Have the fuel tanks been filled; any last minute maintenance handled by the dock mechanics; departure cleared with Noveria Docking Authority?"

"Yes Mistress…" she told me yet again, and I paused my self-examination for a moment to determine if she sounded exasperated or if it was simply my imagination. Deciding it was the latter, I continued.

"Good. Good…" giving myself one last exam, and finding nothing out of place, I took a breath and let it out slowly. "Time to get off this cesspit of a planet," I muttered to no one in particular.

Walking out of the bathroom, I briefly glanced at Aena, noted she was closing up my second luggage case (having bought it here for shopping purposes) and, briefly checking the room for anything we might've missed, I nodded and gestured to the door. "Well, time to leave. Will you be alright handling both cases? They're rather large," I asked her, gesturing to the cases in question.

"Of course, Mistress! I am more than capable of transporting them," she responded cheerfully, shining blue as expected, before grabbing the side handles for both and carrying them. The fact she could've just rolled them using their wheels went unsaid, mainly because I didn't have the heart to crush her enthusiasm.

"Okay then. Just be careful; wouldn't want you tripping and hurting yourself," I told her, getting a nod in answer.

I paused briefly after realizing how nonsensical that was, and slowly shook my head. In that scenario, there's higher odds of her breaking the floor than the other way around. I doubt the hotel built their stairs with a combat mech armored with warship-grade plating in mind… Ah well.

Humming for a bit as we walked, I thought over one of the things I'd been debating for a few days now. Shame I never got to take up that intern on her offer. Then again, she never technically made an offer outside of body language, but I'm no idiot…

Sighing over a missed opportunity to relax (and no, the 'party' didn't count as I was barely conscious for the actually enjoyable part) I made my way down to the bottom floor, Aena in tow. A skycar was parked and waiting outside – as expected – and after a quick check at the front desk to drop off my room key, we got in the car and took off, headed back to the Armali Council hanger.

The trip was short, thankfully – the hanger was just a couple blocks away – and before I even had time to get comfortable, the car door opened, showing the security checkpoint I'd come through at the start of this business trip. Not really paying them much mind, I walked through the checkpoint, briefly getting glanced at by one of the guards before they looked at a screen nearby, with the turian summarily ignoring me after getting a clear scan.

Once I came out the other side, I turned around and waited for Aena, casually examining the guards while she carried my luggage up to the checkpoint. Looking over their distinct grey-black armor, I found myself getting lost in thought as I waited. That is, right up until I heard footsteps rapidly approaching from behind me. The guards glanced in the sound's general direction, tensing, before relaxing again, and being curious myself, I turned around to see who or what it was. Color me surprised to see a now panting Eleris Dok'sah – the intern that welcomed me to Noveria – standing a few paces away, and looking as if she'd just sprinted half a mile… in heels too. Impressive to say the least, albeit strange.

"I'm… sorry… I…" she took a deep breath to control her breathing, successfully from how she visibly started to settle down, "had to get here quickly. Would it be alright if I could speak with you for a moment, Matron V'Seila?"

Raising a brow, I just gave her a slight shrug. "I'm not in a real hurry. What is it, Eleris?"

Nervously shuffling from foot to foot, and looking embarrassed to say the least, the kid pulled herself together as best she could before responding. "I-I apologize if this seems like an unusual question, Matron, but may I ask what your intended destination is?"

Raising my other brow to match the first, I then furrowed them and took a moment to think it over, not having really decided on a concrete option up to now as I just wanted to get off of Noveria. Going over my options though…

"I was going to visit the Citadel for a few days to get in touch with some old friends," partially true, now that I actually thought it out: old me was fairly connected, and the Citadel was the largest economic hub in the galaxy, so it couldn't hurt to talk to some of the Citadel based investors handling my money. Never mind the possibility of making further connections with the local players that would rise to prominence over the following years. "Why do you ask?"

If she was nervous before, now she was acting like a kid getting ready for a scolding from their parents. Which considering she could put a number of human models to shame, and had at least tried to use the normal asari conversation tactics the last time I met her (aka: batting her eyes and openly flirting), it made for a rather conflicting image. "Another Armali Council board member arrived yesterday to conduct some business and check up on some local investments, and is now trying to leave. However, the board member flew down in a personal shuttle rather than a ship."

Following the story so far, I nodded in thought. "Alright then. So why is this an issue?"

At that she cringed, before trying and failing to get more control over herself, making me fight off a smirk. Yet at seeing the amusement in my eyes at her situation, she apparently decided to force herself to fully calm down, at last returning to something similar to her old personality. A tad late or not, I'll give her props for the effort at least. "Unfortunately, during the routine maintenance check on the shuttle after it landed, a cracked fuel line was discovered, forcing it down for repairs. Additionally, the board member is on a tight schedule, and needs to leave as soon as possible."

"And Armali doesn't have another shuttle laying around that they could use?" I asked, genuinely curious as it'd be good to know in the future in case I ever found myself in a similar situation.

"Sadly, no. Currently, they're all in use, and while a commercial shuttle is an option, it would be disrespectful for one of her station."

And there it is: the real reason behind why she was so panicky. This isn't just any board member, no; this is someone important. But that still leaves the question of who they are… though taking everything into account, as well as how she's been acting, I think I have a general idea.

Pausing for a moment, I decided to simply ask the question, skipping the guessing game entirely. "She's a Matriarch, isn't she?"

Blinking in clear surprise, Eleris nodded once. "Indeed, Matron, and a friend of Administrator Anolais as well," she added, doubtless trying to further convince me of whatever it is that she's about to ask.

"Well, that certainly explains things I suppose. So what is it that you needed from me?"

Taking a second to compose herself even further, she stiffened slightly and brought her hands together over her waist, standing in a fairly traditional diplomatic pose that was meant to signify the importance of the following words. Though it did leave me briefly wondering what part of my brain that information even came from, seeing as old Miri didn't much care for that sort of thing.

"Matron V'Seila, Armali Council humbly requests that you transport Matriarch Benezia T'Soni to the Citadel, and we are willing to provide the financing for this trip on top of a reward of your choice, within reason," she finished with that famous air of regality many an asari public speaker were known for. Which, if not for the distant giggling I heard, along with my brain currently being in fucking OVERDRIVE at the moment, I probably would've been impressed by it.

Benezia. THAT Benezia. The partner in crime to a currently brainwashed mass-murdering, galaxy famous, government sanctioned executioner, with an entire fleet and army of geth at his command while riding in a sentient prehistoric weapon of galactic extinction. Because it couldn't have been any of the OTHER asari matriarchs with business investments in Noveria. Fuuuuuuu-

"Mistress?" I heard, snapping my focus back to what was in front of me, that being Aena and Eleris – the former looking concerned while the latter was confused, but still standing in her little pose and waiting for a response. Thankfully, I'd learned to keep my face expressionless whenever these types of things popped up. It was a lot easier than I thought it'd be.

"I'm fine, Aena, just thinking it over," I told her, which seemed to be all she needed to relax. Actually thinking it over now, I groaned internally, having reached a conclusion.

Shit. Hate it as I might, the benefits outweigh the costs; true, it associates me with a future criminal, but it also gives me potential insight into her and Saren's operations that I might be able to take advantage of, never mind the chances that I could take over some of her resources when the time comes. I mean I'm rich already, filthy rich even, but she's on a whole other level. The downsides? Eh, death, imprisonment, or indoctrination, which, considering who I was until recently, two of the three were a possibility anyway, and the third one will be a common issue over the following three years for one of my position. What's one more risk…

"Very well then," I said aloud, causing Eleris to almost sigh in relief going off of the quick exhale. "I'll happily provide transport for the Matriarch. I'm assuming she's currently in the hangar?"

"Her and her escort, yes."

"Escort?" I asked, before giving it a second thought considering who it was. Sure enough, Eleris confirmed it.

"Yes, Matriarch T'Soni brought a group of four huntresses with her. Will… will that be an issue?" she asked timidly. Well, her expression didn't change much, but her body language made it clear as day.

"No, it shouldn't be; my ship is large enough for six if need be, more if they don't care about it being a tight fit, so I'll be able to take them on." What I didn't say is that I was more than a little worried about having a team of indoctrinated asari commandos on the same tiny corvette as me, never mind a Matriarch who was twice my age and experience, and no doubt had similar or stronger biotics, but I'd made up my mind already.

"Excellent!" the kid exclaimed, followed by opening her omni-tool. "Should I send the branch manager's contact information to you, or your VI?" she asked, and I assumed she did so because of the compensation she mentioned I'd get for this.

"Both, please," was my answer, and she nodded. A moment later, my own omni-tool briefly lit up with a message alert, which I then dismissed. "Aena?" I asked just to confirm.

"I received it, Mistress," she replied.

"Good. Was there anything else, Eleris?"

Shaking her head in the negative, she replied, "No, that was all. But while I do thank you on behalf of Armali Council, personally… I really am sorry I inconvenienced you like this. I know that it's a highly unusual request…"

"Not at all. If anything, I should thank you for giving me the opportunity to get to know someone from the homeworld's ruling class. I appreciate it," I responded genuinely, making her blush a complimentary shade of purple in spite of her business face being on.

"It was my pleasure, Matron," she responded with a slight smile, clearly happy about my comment.

"Please, my friends call me Miri," I did my best to say it casually, as if it was a given that that's what she was, which must've worked as it made her smile grow some more. "Well, it was nice meeting you again, Eleris, but I should probably go and get my ship ready for its new passengers. Until next time."

"Have a safe trip, Mat-Miri!" she said, having corrected herself at the end, and I waved goodbye before turning around and walking for where the Sapphire Mist was berthed.

Heh. Not only is she an incredibly attractive, aspiring businesswoman, with a personality that hits all the right notes for my preferences, but she's also mature enough to say sorry when appropriate. And yet even taking all that into account, I can't really do anything with her outside of being friends because of my condition…

Walking to my ship, Aena in tow as always, I spent a solid minute simply thinking in the relative silence. How many broken hearts have I left behind over the years because I wasn't cruel enough to steal them away from their friends and families?

The only answer I got were four words echoing around in my head, sounding like a broken record inside an empty house: far, far too many.

And in the end, it was answer enough.

A few moments later…

"-f course. It's not often one gets the opportunity to help a Thessian Matriarch, especially so far from home," I told her after greetings were out of the way and her retinue started transferring their luggage onto the Sapphire Mist, joining Aena as she did the same for mine.

Smiling knowingly, though at what was anyone's guess, the Matriarch in question responded with the grace of a royal. "Indeed, you are right, and I am grateful that your vessel was available. I had feared my journey would be delayed further until you happened along."

Ok, kinda weirded out by the very 'official' way she's talking, but it's probably just a habit due to her social circles. So far, so good at least.

If I was being honest, it surprised me how… normal she came off as, considering what I knew of her. She wasn't wearing the black dress Shepard saw her in – though considering I was wearing that particular dress at the moment, I wasn't complaining – and instead had on a fairly modest burgundy and dark brown one. Well, modest by asari standards anyway. The strangest thing about her was that her huntresses straight up ignored me after a quick glance their way from the elder asari. Though they did seem unusually wary around Aena if the regular looks they sent her direction were anything to go off of. Made a sort of sense, I suppose. She was a highly advanced mech that was clearly built with both form and function in mind. They'd probably be even more paranoid around her if they knew the "defense tools" installed in her frame.

"Well I suppose we can both be thankful for our good luck then. Was there anything you needed to do before we leave, Matriarch?" I asked her, hoping she'd answer in the negative. Just because I accepted the offer to act as her taxi, didn't mean I wanted to be around her any longer than necessary. Call it a hunch, but I had a feeling it wouldn't be good for my health if she took an actual interest in me.

"I have already accomplished my goals here; as such, no, there is not," she answered, and given the timing, I internally translated that to mean: the rachni queen has matured. The dates line up, and while I don't know how long it takes for a queen to fully grow, she had enough time to birth a small army's worth of warriors, which also matured before Shepard arrived.

Nodding at her answer, I went to the side and gestured for her to go ahead of me (asari social niceties and all that).

"The ship is yours, Matron V'Seila. Please, lead the way," she said in response, mirroring my gesture. Not being rude, I accepted, walking up the ramp into my ship, Benezia following.

Once inside, I waited for my passenger to board, and when she did, I gave an impromptu tour. "To your left are the sleeping quarters: the second to last is the only one beside my own meant for a single person, which has been unlocked for your use, while your escorts will have to use the pair of rooms made for two."

"That will not be an issue," she reassured me, and accepting it, I moved on.

"The bedroom hallway leads to a common area just outside the cockpit, so if you feel the need to relax or stretch a little, that's an option. To your right is the restroom, and beyond that, the dining area, which also connects to the common area. All food and drinks in the storage unit are edible for us," as in asari, "and you can eat what you like from it; I restocked before leaving home, so no need to worry about supplies running out." I gave her a second to process all that before continuing. "Do you have any questions?"

She quirked a brow at that, the only real expression she made the entire 'tour,' before speaking. "Nothing related to the vessel's layout. However, I admit, I am quite curious, though you need not answer me if it is personal: is your bondmate a human?"

Huh? Was all I could think initially, but in spite of my confusion at the random question, I managed to answer without letting too much of said confusion leak into my tone. "Sadly, I don't have a bondmate at this time."

Benezia blinked at that, turning thoughtful for a moment before seemingly reaching a conclusion. "My apologies then."

Rather than wait for a response, she walked away towards the guest rooms, leaving me to stand there and watch her go.

What was that all about? I asked no one in particular. Shrugging it off, I made my way to the cockpit, going down the right hallway. As I did so, I noticed one of the commandos looking through the pantry, and leaving her to her hunger, I kept going. Even the (probably) indoctrinated need to eat.

Walking into the cockpit, I was greeted by Aena, already connecting to the corvette's systems and performing preflight checks. Not seeing anyone else in here with us, I closed the door and sat in the copilot's seat.

"Our passengers settle in alright?" I asked her, looking over the instruments and controls, (re?)familiarizing myself with them while she replied.

"Their items have been put in storage, and there have been no complaints so far regarding the accommodations," she answered, and while her body didn't turn to face me, I knew she had a camera pointed in my general direction since the moment I stepped foot onto the Mist, and as such, didn't need to.

"Alright, that's good at least. Notice anything unusual so far on the cameras?"

She took a couple seconds longer than usual to answer, but I chalked that up to reviewing the past few minutes of footage. "Nothing so far, Mistress. Although they are remarkably quiet and efficient. For organics."

The way she said the last part had me staring at her for a bit, yet again questioning certain things regarding her 'personality quirks' as of late, but that was an issue for another day. "Well, just keep an eye on them. I doubt they'll try anything without the Matriarch's direct order, but you can never be too careful. Let me know if they do try anything though."

"Of course, Mistress," she said immediately, effectively telling me that either she already had them under surveillance, or started as soon as I told her to.

"I'll be changing into something more comfortable while we take off, but keep me updated." As I said this, I stood up and walked out of the cockpit, heading for my room and intending to do just that.

Starting to wonder if maybe I should've just stayed at home… ah, fuck it. Wasn't doing anything important there. Besides, you only live once. Er, or maybe twice… so far. Though if I actually do manage to live through this, I should really look into a retirement plan. Or hell, I still have a few centuries left before I drop from old age. Might even just work my way up to owning a planet. Hah! That'd be the day…

Alright, the loooong overdue chapter 11 is here. Short and sweet, but it ended on a good spot I think. Hope you liked it, because if I'm being honest, it was fun just getting back in the habit of writing a little every day.

Kinda sad I didn't get to spend more time on Noveria here, but it was either that, or pick up the pace so we got to the juicy bits. Suppose it's up to you whether it was the right decision or not. Also... holy crap it's been two years since I first started this. Yikes. Time flies.

Anyway, onto other, RL news, and feel free to skip this. So, around 2/3rds of this was written while I was waiting on a layover flight that'd take me to my grandparents for Christmas. The initial wait was around 4 hours. The actual wait was closer to 7, because there weren't enough flight attendants. Good times. But hey, it meant I could finish this up in one sitting, so that's a positive at least.

Well, that's that I suppose. As always, I hope you enjoyed, and I'll se ya next time!