Carbon Life

by HR Ringer

  Samantha had nearly been mesmerized by the asari’s well-muscled bum as she followed her towards their quarters, so coughed to clear her throat before responding, “Your hospitality is most appreciated, XO Shoni, but please… there’s no need to go to any trouble on our behalf.”

  Traeria turned her silver and copper-flecked eyes towards Traynor as she responded evenly, “Trouble? It is no trouble for me to provide a guide for you and Ms Yuán, Ms Traynor. Trouble would be needing to send out several search parties to find you, should you lose your way while walking about unaccompanied.”

  Xiùlán had silently observed Traynor’s poorly disguised, leering attention during their walk from the hanger and shook her head slightly as she said, “We appreciate your thoughtfulness, Traeria Shoni. I expect we’ll spend most of our transit time in our quarters.”

  Shoni stopped beside a compartment door. “This is your stateroom… your home away from home as long as the Ionsaí is assigned as your transportation.” Traeria laid a gentle hand on Xiùlán’s upper arm. “Captain T’Lori and I have been informed you are doing clandestine work for Asari High Command. It seems strange that humans would be willing to assist the asari at all, no matter the task; it is my honor and privilege to have you both on this ship.” She dropped her hand, mentally noting how well-muscled Xiùlán’s arm felt under her fingers. ‘This human and her companion are much more than they appear to be.’

  Traeria activated her omni-tool and made several entries; Xiùlán’s and Sam’s omni-tools lit up in response as the compartment door opened for them, causing Traeria to take notice and comment, “Purple? Serrice Council?” At a nod of assent from Xiùlán, she continued, “Those are very special omni-tools, especially in the possession of humans; it is rare that even asari possess such high-end devices. Your Alliance Navy must think highly of your abilities to outfit you so… extravagantly.” Looking from Xiùlán to Sammy and back, she asked, “They are linked to you through your DNA, yes?”

  Xiùlán responded, “Yes, they are.” A grim smile touched her lips, but did not reach her eyes as she raised her forearm to display the jeweled bracelet of the now inactive device. “This tool would quickly generate a collapsing circular energy field that would slice off the hand of anyone else attempting to activate it.”

  Traeria’s brow markings rose in astonishment. “I have heard Serrice Council built that protection into their high-end omni-tools, but to actually see one…” The asari shook her head slightly as she got back to the business at hand; indicating the open door behind her, she continued, “This door is programmed to respond to your omni-tools only… Other than myself, you two are now the only ones on this ship able to access these quarters.”

  Traynor’s jaw dropped. “That is most… generous! Thank you.”

  After Traeria left them in the room and the door had closed and locked, Xiùlán frowned at her lover as she crossed her arms across her chest and grumped, “So, does her ass look any better to you than mine does?”

  Traynor at least had the good sense to look embarrassed as she stammered a reply. “I’m sure I don’t know what you are talking about, darling.”

  Xiùlán arched an eyebrow in response. “You know very well what I’m talking about, Samantha Traynor! A pair of lasers couldn’t have been focused any tighter on that commando’s buns than were your eyes. If you’re going to admire other women… or asari… then don’t be so damned obvious about it, please.”

  Traynor smirked as she answered the accusation. “I’m not dead, Xiùlán, and I truly didn’t realize I was being that obvious, but you know I admire a well-developed tush… seems that was only one of many reasons I was drawn to you.” She approached her lover and slowly began sliding her hands from her waist to her hipbones. “I am in love with you, Yuán Xiùlán. How do you know I’m not comparing other… women, as you say, to you. There are none I’ve seen that even begin to measure up to the standard you’ve set.”

  Reaching in, she brushed her lips across Xiùlán’s, teasing them with the faintest touch. “Since you brought it up, I would really like to inspect your bum, Xiùlán… preferably…” Traynor moved in closer, allowing her to move her hands down and around to cup each of her lover’s butt cheeks, “…bare, along with the rest of you.”

  Xiùlán felt a stab of hot desire shoot through her core at Sammy’s caress. It wasn’t as if either of them had been recently denied the opportunities to experience physical pleasure with each other – it was simply the way Traynor used her hands to gently kneed and massage her ass, alternately gripping and stroking each side from bottom to top and across. Uncrossing her arms, Xiùlán wrapped them around her lover, hugging her tightly as she pressed her hungry lips to Sam’s.

  Sammy had what she wanted now – breast-to-breast contact – as she pulled Xiùlán’s hips hard against her own. Pausing long enough to retrieve her tongue, she said in a breathless voice, “We need to check out the sleeping area, Luv.”

  Xiùlán pulled away slightly to look her companion in the eyes. “You think you’re so damned clever, don’t you. Fortunately, I happen to agree with you about the sleeping area… we need to finish this discussion in bed. Nude. Come on…”

  * * *

  * ON BOARD THE IONSAÍ – WIDOW SYSTEM *

  Xiùlán and Samantha, having finished a light breakfast in one of the several mess areas on board the Ionsaí, had been guided to the closest exercise arena after changing into their workout clothes. Having removed their sandals in favor of having their bare feet in contact with the mats, they performed their centering exercises, a form of Tai Chi called Neigong, side-by-side, matching move for move; after going through the entire routine, Traynor pulled on her sparring gloves and grabbed their nángùns; Xiùlán decided to use gloves as well – Sammy had gotten so skilled with her staff she had whacked her lover’s left hand during their last routine before leaving Arcturus.

  As they took the center mat, a number of commandos paused in their activities so they could watch these two women; all of them were endlessly fascinated by humans, Xiùlán in particular. Her extreme stature with her unusual facial features and dark-as-night eyes, in conjunction with her medium length ebony hair, had every asari on the ship staring at her, prompting Traynor to smirk, “Should I be jealous, Luv?” as she readied herself.

  Each woman took a position at opposite edges of the mat, crouched with knees and toes supporting them, eyes closed, hands together against the center of their chests, nángùns lying on the mat along their right sides. As if they each had heard some unspoken cue, they stood as one, holding their nángùns loosely in their right hands.

  The displaced air from each staff created a fear-inducing ‘whir-r-r-r-r-r’ as the pair began circling around each other, looking for an opening as they twirled and swung their staves in front of each other. Traynor went on the attack first, feinting to her right before instantly banging her opponent’s staff centimeters from her right hand; Xiùlán responded quickly, hitting Traynor’s staff three times in rapid succession before rapidly spinning a half-turn and raising her staff crossways over her head to catch the blow landed by Traynor, who was now using her staff as a two-meter long club.

  Xiùlán executed a forward roll, spinning in mid-air as she leapt from the mat to dodge the sweeping attack that just missed her feet. Growling like a predatory animal, the end of her swinging staff caught her partner on the shoulder. Traynor dodged to her right and quickly jumped straight up before planting one end of her staff on the floor as a pivot, allowing her to cartwheel away and put some distance between them.

  Sensing a quick victory, Xiùlán leaped towards Traynor as she regained her feet and pummeled Sam’s staff with a series of powerful, two-handed pushing blows intended to drive Sammy backwards. Sammy countered Xiùlán blow for blow, the loud ‘clacking’ of the wooden staves echoing from the walls around them; making her move after the third hit, Traynor used her staff as a pole-vaulter might. Arching her body up as her partner came at her, she staggered
Xiùlán with both feet, kicking her forcefully in the ribcage and abdomen. As Yuán attempted to reposition both hands together at one end of her nángùn, Sammy quickly cartwheeled around to the side and used her staff to sweep Xiùlán’s legs out from under her, dropping her hard on her back, causing the assembled commandos to gasp at the violent take-down.

  Despite having the wind knocked out of her, she quickly attempted to roll away, but Traynor was moving almost too fast to follow – she hit her lover twice on the torso with the length of her staff before switching her hands and using the large blunt end to lightly tap Xiùlán in the throat just above her collar bones. Breathing hard as she stood over her head, staff just touching her throat, she huffed, “I just shoved your larynx into your spine, Luv. I think you’re well on your way to dying from asphyxiation.”

  Xiùlán, breathing hard herself, lay on her back, forearms up and hands in the air in surrender. “The student has once again bested her master,” she panted. “Well done, Sà mǐ… very well done!”

  Traynor grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet as the commandos hummed and slapped their leathers in approval. “You okay?”

  “I think you bruised my ribs, but I’ll survive.” She bent over to lean on her hands, gripping her legs just above the knees. “Where in ‘ell did you learn those moves? I’ve not taught you anything like what I just experienced at your hands!”

  “Lì húa taught me, during our holiday at your home.” She looked around at the awed expressions on the commandos, then back at her lover. Grabbing her shoulders to pull her erect once again, she reached around her waist to draw her close before hissing wickedly through her teeth, “However, your mom didn’t teach me this!” With that, Sammy kissed her lover passionately on the mouth, eliciting hoots and hollers from the assembled commandos. “That’s part of my prize,” she whispered in a snarky tone. “I’ll collect the rest tonight.”

  Xiùlán looked at the love of her life and slowly nodded. “I’m yours,” she whispered in a tired voice. “Although, you’d be wise to catch me before I fall asleep. You really beat me up, Sà mǐ. I pray my ancestors will forgive me… and my dear mother!… for creating such an unforgiving weapon!

  * * *

  * ON BOARD THE IONSAÍ – TASALE SYSTEM *

  The Ionsaí slowed rapidly to sub-FTL beside the system’s Mass Relay and made an immediate turn towards the orbits of the inner planets. As Illium was currently at opposition with its sun, the Ionsaí resumed FTL speed once its course was set.

  Traynor was studying maps depicting the layouts of several of the trans-shipping warehouses near the docks in Nos Astra when the sound of the chime on their door lock intruded on their discussions. Answering the hatch, she expected to see their assigned guide aboard the ship, but was surprised to discover Traeria Shoni standing nervously outside. “Traeria Shoni. Please come in… What may I do for you?”

  “My apologies for disturbing you, Ms Traynor. We have entered the Tasale System and are on our way to Illium. Arrival time will be approximately 2130. Captain T’Lori has asked me to convey her compliments, and requests you and Ms Yuán join her for dinner in her quarters at 1800.”

  Samantha quickly asked, “We’ll be aboard for one more evening?”

  “Yes… the captain feels it will be safer if you deploy and land in the morning, local time. Easier to obtain your landmarks and see what you’re up against.” Glancing around, she asked, “If I may, where is Ms Yuán?

  The door to their sleeping quarters slid into its pocket as a nearly nude Xiùlán came out, hair up in a towel with another around her waist. “Sammy, what the hell did you do with my…?” Discovering the ships’ XO in their lounge, she took a quick look down at her nude chest, mentally shrugged her shoulders and said, “… I’m sorry. Didn’t realize we had company. XO Shoni. It is good to see you.”

  Traeria knew most humans, particularly females, were rather shy about appearing in front of strangers in anything less than full clothing, so was surprised that Xiùlán made no effort to cover her breasts; interestingly enough, a pair of thin bruises could be seen side-by-side in the center of her chest, along with a partially oval bruise centered at the base of her ribcage. Traeria also took note of Xiùlán’s bare arms, the massive musculature, tendons and veins totally visible under her olive-toned skin, along with the seemingly rock-hard abdominal muscles displayed below her ribcage. All of this ran through her mind in a flash as she commented dryly, “I might say the same of you. I heard you may have been injured yesterday…” Indicating Traynor with a tilt of her head, she waved a hand at Xiùlán’s bruises and asked, “… Did she?…”

  Xiùlán grinned as she ran her fingertips over the discolored skin. “Sammy packs a hell of a punch, Traeria. Not the first time she’s left her mark on me… comes with being her teacher.” Xiùlán turned her back long enough to remove the towel from around her waist and reposition it above her breasts, covering them with the excess length now dropping to mid-thigh. She reached up to massage the towel on her wet hair as she continued, “First time Sammy met me was in a shower on an Alliance base on Earth’s moon. My entire chest was bruised from a low-power sniper rifle shot to my breastplate. Didn’t penetrate, just knocked the wind out of me, but it left one hell of a bruise!”

  “I saw the video footage from the exercise room today.” At the surprised look from both of them, she added, “It’s always monitored when it’s in use. Lots easier to settle disputes and perceived slights. It was really interesting to see how members of another species fight without the use of biotics. I’m guessing the skills each of you possess are the exception, rather than the norm?” Their smiles in response answered her question. “Well, I’m quite skilled at hand-to-hand fighting myself, and I don’t mind telling you I would not wish to be blocked biotically and have to go up against either of you.”

  Smiling at Xiùlán, she concluded, “I’ll leave so you can finish getting dressed, Ms Yuán. Luenia Phura will be here at 1750 to accompany you to Captain T’Lori’s quarters.”

  * * *

  * CAPTAIN’S QUARTERS – ASARI CORVETTE IONSAÍ *

  Captain Agana T’Lori enthusiastically welcomed the two humans to her quarters with open hands, palms upwards. “Welcome, Service Chief; welcome, Serviceman Traynor. It is very good to finally meet both of you. Come in… come in! Dinner will be served momentarily. May I order some drinks for you?… Some Elasa, perhaps, or honey mead? Both are produced on Thessia… I believe you would enjoy either one. We also have a selection of fine wines available to accompany your meal.” She looked expectantly at each of them.

  Traynor answered shyly, “The Elasa sounds lovely, Captain,” before looking at Xiùlán expectantly. “How about you?

  “I’ll try the Elasa as well, Captain… Thank you very much.”

  T’Lori laughed lightly, the musical sound immediately setting her visitors completely at ease, and waved a hand towards her dining area. “Please, come with me.” She shook her head slightly as she led the way into an elegantly appointed dining area. “You humans… so formal. I know humans put great stock in their formal titles, but honestly, I’m simply an experienced commando with an intimate knowledge of starship operation and combat techniques.” Smiling at both of them, she added, “Please, call me ‘Agana’.”

  Yuán replied, “Then, you may call me Xiùlán, and my companion is Samantha…”

  Traynor interrupted with, “Actually, you may call me ‘Sammy’… no one uses my full name except my parents, and only then it’s because I’m in some kind of trouble.”

  “Very well, Sammy. And Xiùlán. I have heard from Traeria Shoni you are both very competent warriors.” Looking intently at Xiùlán, she commented, “I’m given to understand that Sammy here caused some bruising to your chest and abdomen during a rather impressive sparring session, Ms Yuán. I would like to have our ship's physician take a look at you, make sure there are no serious injuries.”

  Xiùlán was surprised. “I appreciate the offer, Agana, but
aside from some minor discomfort and the visible evidence of Sà mǐ’s strikes today, I’ll be fine. She tends to be overenthusiastic during our sparring matches.”

  Agana’s raised the brow marking over her right eye and replied firmly, “It wasn’t an offer of aid, Ms Yuán. I’m personally responsible for the health and well-being of every member of my crew, and that responsibility extends to my guests, especially those aboard under the auspices of Asari High Command. The fact you have multiple bruises on your chest means blood vessels were ruptured where Sammy struck you.” Agana paused to sip from her glass as a steward brought two glasses filled with ice and a pale green liquid; she handed one to each of the humans as their hostess continued, “I could never forgive myself if you were to develop a lethal blood clot that traveled to your heart, or your brain, while you were groundside, or is the human circulatory system that much different than that of the asari?”

  Xiùlán took an experimental sip from her glass as she thought about what this asari had just said. Her response sounded snarky in her head, so she smiled as she gave voice to her thought, “Other than having red blood, I can really think of no significant differences.”

  Agana smiled at Xiùlán. “It is settled then. I will have our physician see you after we have dinner, simply… to check your bruising… to be sure there is no underlying damage.”

  Xiùlán replied, “Very well. If that is your wish, I will be happy to comply.”

  The captain took another sip from her glass before pointing at the chairs surrounding the table. “Please, sit. Our dinner is ready.”

  As they sat at the table, Agana spoke proudly. “If the asari do anything really well, food preparation is definitely one of them. I assume neither of you are sensitive to trace eezo and are able to eat asari cuisine without suffering adverse effects?”