Carbon Life

by HR Ringer

  Wiks sighed as he weighed his options. He needed to report back to Councilor Valern on the Citadel, although his instincts screamed the trail was by now too old to follow – the Crystal Scarab had been space dust for close to five months and the artifact had changed hands at least twice since Ghydgryz had cut his deal with Rarfenak. He looked at K’ath Din’sari for a few moments. “Asari are conducting their own search for the artifact, Ms Din’sari. Don’t expect them to have any more success at tracking it than STG. Truth is, the trail is quite cold at this point. Blue Suns quite adept at hiding less-than-legal activities. That means you have made yourself a target by contacting the Shadow Broker.”

  The salarian smiled as he continued, “Broker will undoubtedly expend considerable resources in attempt to recover artifact – the antiquities Guildhall on Thessia will no doubt pay handsomely for its safe return.”

  Wiks appeared to come to a decision while he was talking. “You need to come with me, Ms Din’sari… I will transport you somewhere safe… well, safer than on this station. We can assist you in obtaining new documents and find a job for you that will minimize your exposure to possible discovery by the Blue Suns. They are, as you say, everywhere. Come on, pack your clothes. Appears you have few possessions here. You can access your accounts once we’re on the move.” Wiks held out a hand. “Please.”

  * * *

  * CITADEL – PRESIDIUM – ASARI COUNCILOR’S CHAMBERS *

  Asari Councilor Raesia Tevos glanced up from the overnight incident reports she was reading to see Dalis Shegos standing just inside the door to her office; returning her attention to the datapad in front of her, she used a hand to casually motion her aide to enter and approach her desk. “What is it, Dalis?”

  “There is a bit of news from Omega, Madam Councilor.”

  Tevos looked up. “I hesitate to ask, but what has the pirate queen done now?”

  Shegos shook her head slightly as she replied with a smile, “Oh, this does not concern Aria… at least, there’s no news about her as of this morning. However, there is a bit of information regarding the investigation of a missing artifact.”

  Tevos shoved the datapad aside and gave Dalis her full attention. “From your tone and expression, it has not been recovered. So, what?”

  “The STG agent assigned by the Dalatrass on Sur’Kesh has discovered the chain of custody… from the pirate captain to the middle man. He is sure the Blue Suns are now in possession of the figurine. The agent was forced to reveal himself in order to prevent the death of an innocent female, a batarian, working at a tavern that just happened to be the location of the meeting between the principals. She drugged the middle man to find out what he was selling, then set up the ‘buy’ for him; apparently, the credits she expected in return did not materialize, so she went to an agent for the Shadow Broker.”

  Tevos picked up the thread – it was something she had seen happen many times in the past. “She made herself a target for retaliation by the Suns, leading to the STG agent having to spirit her off the station for her own safety.” Tevos leaned back in her chair and sighed. “The Blue Suns have time on their side. They’ll hold on to the figurine until they feel it’s sale will not blow back on them.”

  Tevos pondered for a few moments, then said, “Contact Councilor Valern… ask him to meet with me in the lower level conference room at 0930. You may tell him it concerns the STG operative on Omega Station… he will pretend to not know what you are talking about, so be insistent. He can’t possibly be so busy he cannot take a short break to talk to a colleague.”

  Dalis smiled. “Right away, Councilor.”

  Chapter 19: Chasing Down Pirates

  Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country. ― Anaïs Nin

  * * *

  Foundations: The ‘undersides’ of the Citadel Wards, between the inhabited superstructures and impenetrable outer hull.

  Laçerto-rano: Thessian – analogous to a hybrid of a Terran lizard and a frog… generally meant as a derogatory description.

  xīlā shǒu lǐ jiàn [ 希拉手裡劍 - hira shuriken]: (literally: sword hidden in user’s hand) – Four-to-six-bladed Japanese throwing star.

  * * *

  * 2180 / MIDDLE NOVEMBER • CITADEL LOCAL TIME 0930 *

  Accompanied by Huntress Nizia Tenir, Asari Councilor Raesia Tevos entered the lower level conference room, intent on speaking with salarian councilor Valern in order to discover what he knew about an STG operative spiriting a female batarian waitress off of Omega station. She hoped the conversation would produce some useful information, but expected the results would be less than satisfactory.

  Valern entered the room from the far side, looking as if he was doing Tevos an enormous favor; he began speaking before he sat down, his tone of voice condescending. “Really, Madam Councilor, I cannot imagine what could be so important it could not wait a bit longer for my breakfast to settle. You know how much I dislike dealing with non-routine problems so early in the morning. So, speak up, what do you need to discuss?”

  Tevos schooled her voice to not show the irritation she felt dealing with this pompous little… laçerto-rano. “It has been brought to my attention that an STG agent working on Omega may have encountered a person involved in the sale of the artifact we discussed during our meeting of three months ago. If that is the case, the Asari Republics would be grateful to receive any information you may be able to share.”

  The salarian actually had the audacity to smile at her. “I believe you are quite mistaken, Madam Councilor. We have no STG operatives on Omega – haven’t for a long time.”

  “Then what do have to say about this?” Tevos tossed a datapad onto the polished table with a deft motion, causing it to spin as it slid, ending up in front of Valern in a position he could read. Valern picked it up with a look of disdain, which quickly changed to doubt as he read the report. “Probably a fabrication, a parcel of half-truths and outright lies to keep us from discovering the actual truth. Is this what you called me down here to speak of?”

  “If the STG has found someone involved in the illegal sale of an antiquity, no matter its origin, it is something Sparatus and I need to be aware of, Councilor Valern.” Tevos managed to say his name without grimacing.

  “Nonsense. If, as you say, the STG has found someone, then the STG will bring him or her to the Citadel, where they will be dealt with appropriately.” Valern stood, shoving the datapad back across the table as he did so. “Omega, as you are no doubt very aware, is not within the jurisdiction of the Citadel Council. Furthermore, that report is unverified, thus is nothing I can comment on. Now, if there is nothing more?…”

  Tevos had been a councilor since before this haughty salarian had been hatched, and expected she’d be here long after his demise. “Councilor, your lack of cooperation on this matter is duly noted. I am sure, at some point in the not too distant future, I will be in a position to return the favor.” Tevos retrieved her datapad from the table and without another word turned and walked back to the door to leave.

  As Tevos walked back towards the asari side of the council chambers, she continued to think about Valern and his attitude towards her; it was almost as if he wished for her to attempt a physical altercation… as if she would ever attempt to do such a thing in the presence of Nizia. Tevos needed a way to covertly look into this matter on Omega, preferably without Aria T’Loak or the salarians finding out about it. An asari team would look out of place there, and the turians were too quick to shoot first and inquire later. There just didn’t seem to be an answer.

  She rounded a corner and ran full-tilt into human ambassador Anita Goyle, dropping her datapad and nearly knocking the poor woman off her feet. Huntress Tenir moved quickly to steady her mistress and the human with a hand on each of their backs.

  Tevos blushed and stammered out, “My apologies, Ms Goyle! I am so very sorry – I don’t know what I was thinking, rushing blindl
y around a corner like that. Are you okay? Perhaps you should sit for a few moments…”

  The human smiled at Nizia as she grabbed the huntress’s upper arm to help steady herself. “That’s quite alright, Madam Councilor… no harm done.” Goyle bent and picked up the datapad; after a cursory look, she handed it back to Tevos. “I believe this is yours? Are you alright?"

  Tevos smiled in return. “Quite fine, I assure you.” Tevos looked down at the datapad for an instant, then back up to the human ambassador. “I’d like to make this up to you, Ms Goyle. Would it be possible for you to dine with me this evening… in my personal quarters? I have some… things, for which I’d like your opinion. Say, 1830 this evening?”

  “Actually, there’s a meeting I must attend this evening. Perhaps we can get together for lunch tomorrow.” Anita’s smile was infectious. “You can come to my offices… we have a very good kitchen staff – I’m sure we can provide you and your bodyguard with foods that will please your palates.”

  * * *

  * PRESIDIUM • HUMAN EMBASSY, CONFERENCE ROOM *

  Councilor Tevos and Huntress Tenir had just finished eating their salads and were sampling some of the many selections of Terran fruits, cheeses and finely sliced smoked salmon from a large silver serving tray as Ambassador Anita Goyle inquired, “Would either of you care for a cup of tea? We have some really excellent varieties from which you may choose.”

  Tevos glanced at Nizia before answering, “That would be very nice, Ambassador, thank you. I’ll leave the choice up to you.”

  “Very good… and please, just call me Anita,” came the ready response. “I feel like I’ve known you my entire life, and I never did get used to the title of ambassador.”

  Tevos was a bit surprised at this. “The asari have always valued formality when dealing with other races in an official capacity; if that is what you truly desire, I believe you and I can be a bit less so… Anita.”

  Goyle chuckled at this. “Humans prefer to dispense with the formal titles as soon as possible after meeting someone. Titles always seem to be stumbling blocks to truly understanding the other party, whether in casual discussions or serious negotiations, don’t you think?”

  Tevos smiled as she replied, “Honestly, I have never given any thought to the matter. The use of formal titles has always seemed to be the best way to conduct business… and you may call me Raesia.”

  Goyle’s smile lit her entire face. “That’s wonderful, Raesia. Our tea should be here momentarily. In the meantime, you have a matter you wish to discuss, unless I completely misread your intentions in wishing to have a meal with me.”

  Tevos smiled inwardly. ‘This human is quite perceptive… not surprising for someone in her position.’ Tilting her head graciously in the ambassador’s direction, the asari took a sip of wine and replied, “I do have… something of a rather… delicate nature I’d like to discuss. I… we, that is, the asari people, could use your help.”

  Tevos went on to explain the entire story of the ancient wooden figurine of Janiri; as tea was served, she spoke of its recovery from Mavigon by the turian, Septivus Vulpez, its subsequent theft by the batarian pirate captain Kryllê Ghydgryz, its suspected sale on Omega to the Blue Suns, finishing with the salarian councilor’s reticence on the matter the previous day. Ambassador Goyle listened quietly, occasionally interrupting only to ask for clarification of a name or offer a comment. The councilor fell silent for several moments after completing the rather lengthy retelling of the story.

  Goyle finished her tea and set the cup down. “That’s an extraordinary tale, Raesia. So, what would you like me to do?”

  “Pardon me?” Tevos blushed slightly as she answered, realizing she had been on the council for so long an honest offer of help, from anyone, seemed strange.

  The human chuckled. “That was a rather long and involved tale, Raesia, and it appears to me your options are fairly limited. You don’t want help from the turians, the salarians will not share what they’ve learned about the sale, and you cannot… dare not, send an asari commando squad there to investigate. Is that about right?”

  Tevos looked down, embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “You understand correctly, Anita. It is a problem we are unable to resolve by ourselves.”

  “And I would like to help you… recovery of this carving would be appreciated by the Asari Republic, would it not? We simply cannot look the other way when there might be a way to help someone, now can we?”

  Tevos looked at the human, puzzlement in her eyes. “‘Look the other way’? I’m not sure I understand…”

  The human smiled. “People have a tendency to look somewhere, anywhere, in order to avoid looking directly at someone asking for help. That is what you are doing, is it not, Madam Councilor? Asking for my help?”

  Tevos smiled. “Do you think there’s anything you can do to assist us, Ambassador?”

  “Here now, Raesia. I thought we were past the titles. And of course I will assist you, anyway I am able. It’s what friends do for each other.” Goyle stood up from the comfortable chair she had occupied after lunch. “Let me reach out to a few people in the Alliance chain of command. I should have some news for you in a day or two.”

  Tevos heart suddenly felt lighter as she stood to leave. “That is most gracious of you, Anita.” The asari bowed slightly towards Goyle, then added, “Thank you for lunch. The food was delicious, especially the… what did you call it?… smoked salmon? We’ve had a wonderful time.” Tevos glanced at Tenir, then turned to leave, the pair followed by the human. “We really must do this again, Anita. Next meal? Let’s have it in the asari councilor’s quarters.”

  “Sounds wonderful, Raesia. Until then…”

  * * *

  Tevos had nearly forgotten her lengthy luncheon with human ambassador Anita Goyle – it had been two full days, with no word back concerning a promise of human help.

  She walked into her office bearing a fresh mug of kaffe, from which she sipped as she sat down and activated her secure terminal. She scrolled through the overnight dispatches, scanning portions of each for anything needing her immediate attention. She took another sip from her mug and returned it to its protective pad.

  As she reached the end of the dispatches and messages, the terminal on her desk came to life, announcing an incoming, high priority vid-call. Tevos keyed in her personal code of acceptance, and was surprised to see the image of Anita Goyle. “Ambassador… good morning. What may I do for you?”

  “Councilor?… May I assume this link is secure?” Goyle’s features appeared quite severe, unlike her appearance in person.

  “It is quite secure, Madam Ambassador,” Tevos replied with a warm smile. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?”

  Goyle’s stern expression softened slightly. “I need to tell you of my results concerning the matter we discussed over lunch two days ago. The Alliance Navy recently formed a covert ops group; it consists of a number of highly trained operatives, answerable only to a Marine general based in Vancouver, North American continent on Earth.” Goyle appeared to briefly study a datapad in front of her, below the sending camera’s sightline. “This general has agreed to assign two of her newly-minted operatives…”

  Tevos held up her hand to interrupt. “I’m sorry? You said ‘newly-minted’?…

  Goyle chuckled. “Translator glitched on that, did it? It means they’re recently graduated from the training program.”

  Tevos’ voice betrayed her skepticism. “Just graduated from training? Do you really believe these… novices… can return positive results, Anita?”

  “I understand your concern, Raesia. Simply know these young women graduated at the top of their class; their abilities are unmatched by anyone in the Alliance Navy and Marines. We’re confident they’ll provide positive results for you… for the asari people.”

  Tevos was silent for several moments before inquiring, “How long do you think it will be before we see results, Anita?”

  “Honestly,
there’s no way to predict the amount of time this will take.” Goyle cupped her chin as she looked once more at the datapad before her. “Given the delicacy of the item in question and the number of players involved, the investigation may take a number of weeks; indeed, we may be looking at a number of months before we have tangible results. I do believe we’ll be successful, Raesia. Should I tell the CvO team to proceed?”

  Tevos mulled over her options for only a few moments before nodding and replying, “Have them go ahead, Anita, and please, keep me advised on their progress?”

  The ambassador smiled. “Of course… I’ll advise you whenever I have news worth sharing. Thank you for your trust, Raesia. I believe you’ll be pleased with the results.”

  * * *

  * 2181 / EARLY JANUARY — MID MARCH *

  Samantha Traynor was in the lower levels of Omega Station in the Sahrabarik System of the Omega Nebula. She had spent the previous two plus months, both on and off the station, investigating databases – whether open to anyone, such as Extranet available data, or ‘official’ databases requiring an illegal hack to gain entry – in order to discover the location of an ancient asari artifact, stolen as a result of a pirate attack on the salarian freighter MV Crystal Scarab eight months prior.

  She had been staying in an unmarked Alliance shuttle – a UT-47t that had been in service for a decade or more – its paint severely faded and ‘sand-blasted’ on all the leading edges; the interior had been converted into a mobile operations office, with accommodations for a maximum of two people. Two-thirds of the pilot’s area had been given over to display monitors and haptic interfaces; the entire right side wall of the troop compartment was covered with dozens of computers, all slaved together into one massive super-computer. Starboard squad entrance doors had been left operable in order to provide needed access to a major portion of the power cables and optic cabling behind the machines. Berths for sleeping were mounted high, one on the troop side of the inner partition, the other on the rear bulkhead; personnel seating in the areas below each bunk had been removed to provide storage for personal gear, weapons and supplies.