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[u]LOYALTY: [color=82ca9d]SUNSET[/color][color=red]◢[/color][/u]
[sub][b][code]A Daughter’s Mire: Part 1[/code][/b]
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Solveig had spent her morning first taking a run around the compound -- something about the familiar Nordic air was refreshing - the silence and blue sky offered her respite from the inner noise. It was nice to be alone for the sunrise.

The next thing, was to visit Katya again. She'd been in and out since the rescue. Feeling guilt, worry, and fear all at once. And of course, the familiar confusion of simply not knowing what to do, how to even begin to help. 

This morning was different though, thing wing less busy. An empty bed. Janiri... Solveig immediately thought the worst, that the Asari had succumbed to the illness -- and that Katya would follow. But that wasn't the case.

Instinct led her quickly to the mess hall. She moved with more intensity and heat than she had on her run, her stare as piercing as ever, an awakening of anger simmering somewhere.

She approached her target and stood directly in front of her, casting an imposing shadow across Nadara. 

[color=662d91]"Why?"[/color] She asked.

Nadara blinked and removed the headset she’d been using to coordinate an attack on an enemy base with some young Batarians Goddess knew where.

[color=82ca9d]“Sorry?”[/color]

Sol's head tilted just so, and she folded her arms across her chest, taking a breath. 

[color=662d91]"Why,"[/color] she repeated, [color=662d91]"did you move Janiri?"[/color] She would not be repeating the question again.

[color=82ca9d]“Oh.”[/color] How strange, was Solveig upset? It was true Nadara didn’t know the woman well, but she’d never seen this from her before. 

[color=82ca9d]“I received an order from Asari High Command to bring her in. Turns out she’s Ardat Yakshi, and we tend to act quickly when we’re dealing with them,”[/color] she said, feeling no reason to keep the information hidden. After a brief pause she asked, [color=82ca9d]“Is something wrong?”[/color]

Solveig thought for a moment. She couldn't really continue to argue about it. Janiri was an Asari, the orders to move her had come from Asari High Command. But still, surely there was benefit in the two patients being treated together - for both of their survival. Unless the Asari could provide a breakthrough too. Her face softened momentarily. [color=662d91]"Fine,"[/color] she relented. [color=662d91]"I don't like it... But I understand you have your orders."[/color] 

She didn't want to stick around and discuss it more, truthfully, she felt confused still. She turned and began walking away, she knew that the rest of the team may not feel the same way.

[color=82ca9d]“Wait,”[/color] Nadara called out, standing. [color=82ca9d]“Don’t like what?”[/color]

[color=662d91]"We don't know what this is, how to fix. How to make it better."[/color] Solveig kept walking. [color=662d91]"They might not be better separated."[/color] 

She stopped in the doorway, and looked back over her shoulder. [color=662d91]"Should have told us."[/color]

As Solveig walked away, Nadara considered her words, and realized that the others should indeed have been notified of her actions, since they were working together and particularly because Janiri was tied with the most recent case. When she’d received the directive from her mother, she’d acted out of instinct, and truth be told, hadn’t even considered that she even had a team, much less needed one to complete the mission. But not needing help was not an excuse for not keeping them notified. In fact, she also needed to communicate with SRN directly to notify them that everything had gone smoothly. 

Something else Solveig said made Nadara pause. [color=662d91]“How to fix it.”[/color] It was true, they weren’t sure what was wrong with either Janiri or Katya, but from the sound of Lidanya’s message and the brief interaction they shared in Barentsburg, they weren’t interested in treating Janiri, exactly. Ardat Yakshi that escaped were not viewed [i]kindly[/i], to say the least. …perhaps Nadara didn’t need to mention that last bit to the others.

She pulled out her omni-tool and realized there were two unread messages from earlier that she’d missed. One from Sevipia notifying them that she would no longer be part of the team. [color=82ca9d][i]Unfortunate, having a medic at hand is always helpful.[/i][/color] The other message was from Zenn, requesting help for some wild rescue. She’d deal with that one later. 

For now, she sent an email to Charles notifying him of what happened, ensuring to attach all the relevant documents and information. Then, she opened a message prompt to the five remaining members of the group.

[indent][quote]
[b][code]Nadara:[/code][/b]
[code] Everyone, this message is to notify you that Janiri was identified as an Ardat Yakshi. She has been apprehended and delivered to Asari High Command. I completed this order this morning and as such, she will no longer be treated at the local hospital.
[/code][/quote][/indent]

That should clear things up right?

Solveig received, and read the message immediately between glances at her omni tool and Nadara.

She could see it in her eyes - the good intent, the meaning -- where it came from. 

Just like the useless sniper rifle she picked up, she felt the message backfire and some kind of future vision appeared to her of a chain reaction of events - not that it was going to take a genius.

[color=662d91]"Ah fuck..."[/color] Solveig said finally.
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After sending his initial message to the team, as well as one to Lizbeth confirming he would take care of the job on the citadel in exchange for being able to use the shuttle for his own mission, Zenn spent the rest of his morning at the shooting range. Never too early to get in some practice! And he could check his messages between sets.

The first one to come in was from Solveig; she was joining him on his mission. A smile grew across his face as he hastily replied to thank her. He was about to load in a thermal clip and fire another set when a second message came in. It was from Nadara, but it wasn't regarding the mission…

[color=0054a6]"That crazy kiyet!"[/color] Zenn cursed and holstered his weapon as he hastily exited the shooting range. This was bad. Whether he agreed with her actions or not was irrelevant. What mattered now was making sure Nadara or anyone else on the team didn't do anything stupid.

Several minutes later, Zenn burst into the mess hall and scanned the room. The moment his eyes found the Asari, he made a beeline for her. The moment he reached her table, he pulled up a chair and took a seat. His gaze locked on her the whole time as he sat there. No words. Just slowly shaking his head.

Nadara blinked, confused. What was with these folks today? She quickly looked down to ensure she had remembered to properly adorn herself. Yes, Vara Sang’s outfit was impeccable, and Nadara had added a few personal touches to boot! It had to be something else. 

[color=82ca9d]“Um… hello? Everything alright?”[/color]

Sol watched as Zenn barreled in, and remained quiet as he took a seat. She stopped walking away, and chose to stand by the wall instead. One thing stuck with her -- that Janiri was Ardat-Yakshi. She didn't know enough about them to pass any comment, she knew that they were strong of mind. If that was the case, how could her mind be so easily shut down and overpowered?

Perhaps it wasn't the right way to think about it, but she did, and she thought of Katya again, frowning. Now wasn't the time to ask Nadara either. But really, and Ardat-Yakshi among them. Maybe she was better off in the care of the Asari - but it didn't seem much like caring as it did arrest and punishment.

[color=0054a6]"Oh. I'm sorry. That message I got must have been from another Nadara."[/color] Zenn stated in a very offhanded and sarcastic tone. He then leaned in closer, placing both hands on the table as he slowly stood from his seat. He continued to maintain eye contact as his tone shifted to a more serious one. [color=0054a6]"And I'm sure that Nadara double checked with her bosses that her actions were sanctioned with the actual ruling authority in the area. Otherwise something as extreme as say, extraditing a comatose kidnapping victim from a medical facility in a place the Asari have no jurisdiction, could look be really bad for relations between humans and Asari. I know a good solider follows orders, but it would just be careless to go along with something like that, right?"[/color]

Nadara did not know where all this hostility was coming from. She hadn’t done anything wrong. Ok, sure, she in fact hadn’t double checked with Charles before moving forward, but her mother had gotten all the appropriate confirmations and approvals. The sign off from SRN had been included in the documents she’d shown the hospital before being granted custody over Janiri, after all. 

[color=82ca9d]“Whoa there. Things were approved by the SRN. Asari High Command doesn’t just go around doing as they please. Everyone that needed to have been made aware were. You have to understand, this was a grave matter that required haste.”[/color]
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[color=800000]"What the fuck?"[/color] Kysar said aloud as he read the first line of Nadara's message from his cosy little cot. Unlike most of his colleagues, the Turian capitalised on every opportunity he could to sleep in. Spirits knew he had had a lifetime without a goods night rest, so he felt he deserved it. Constantly.

[color=800000]"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!"[/color] His yell could be heard all the way down the end of the corridor as Kysar came to the end of the message. Rage, pure and blind, enveloped him. Vaulting from the bed, he hit the floor running. 

Charging through the corridors, the Turian barreled through anyone who wasn't fast enough to get out of the way. There was no thought of what he was going to do when he got there but there he was going.

Bursting through the doors of the hospital he saw the empty bed next to Katya. Roaring, he grabbed the first nurse in reach by the scruff of her scrubs, hoisting her off her feet. [color=800000]"Where is she?!"[/color] 

Fear gripped the poor orderly as she scrounged around for answers. "The... they took her in the early hours of..."

[color=800000]"NO!"[/color] He yelled, unable to stop himself. [color=800000]"The Asari, the one who took her, where is she?!"[/color]

"Mess.."

Kysar dropped the nurse without a second thought, marching back towards the hall.

Bam

Venator kicked the swinging door of the mess open with such force the hinges loosened from the wall. The Turian didn't even feel himself reach for his sidearm but there he was, pointing it towards Nadara.

[color=800000]"What the fuck have you done Asari?!"[/color]

Zenn was stunned. Was she telling the truth? The SRN had approved this? When did they plan on sharing that news with them? And the Alliance. We're they okay just handing over someone that could be a potential witness or at least evidence in convicting Weisman? His head was swarming with questions, but he wouldn't have time to formulate any follow up. His fixed gaze was immediately pulled from Nadara as Kysar practically broke the doors down as he entered, and pulled a gun on Nadara. This is what he was afraid of.

Instinctively, Zenn drew his own pistol and pointed at the turian while simultaneously positioning himself between Kysar and Nadara. 

[color=0054a6]"Put it away, Kysar!"[/color] Zenn commanded. [color=0054a6]"We all want answers but nobody needs to get hurt for them."[/color]

[color=800000]"Hurt?"[/color] Kysar scoffed as the gun in his hand held steady. [color=800000]"Oh it's already too late for that. She took our severely injured comrade out of the only place that could help her."[/color] The Turian looked beyond Zenn towards Nadara. [color=800000]"Isn't that right Asari? Your people are going to stuff her in some hole and just wait for her to waste away. I've seen enough of what you do to your enemies."[/color] Spitting on the floor he refused to back down.

Nadara barely finished her statement in response to Zenn when her least favorite member of their group charged in, pistol pointed. [color=82ca9d][i]Yet another confirmation I should’ve left him in Cerro,[/i][/color] she thought to herself, disgusted by the man’s actions. Before she could react, Zenn pulled out his own gun and the two stood there, glaring at each other. [color=82ca9d][i]Now [b]him[/b], I knew I liked.[/i][/color]

Others in the mess hall had raised an eyebrow at the exchange between Nadara and Solveig, even started listening in with curiosity when Zenn approached, but immediately feigned disinterest as Kysar hurled toward the group. When weapons were drawn, the room cleared out quickly. No one wanted to be involved. Perhaps a few might have even called for security. 

Nadara was shocked. Was there something in the water in this place? The air? Everyone seemed to be going nuts.

[color=82ca9d]“First of all, [i]Turian[/i],”[/color] she spat, mimicking his vocabulary. [color=82ca9d]“I’m the only reason you’re even standing here now. Show some respect and get that gun out of my face. You’re putting all of us in danger and making a spectacle.”[/color] She gestured around the empty room for emphasis. [color=82ca9d]“Secondly, what I’ve done is protect the lives of everyone in Janiri’s radius should she regain consciousness, as well as ensure that her own safety is accounted for.”[/color] In all honesty, Nadara wasn’t sure what would become of Janiri. Would they imprison her, and continue treatment under Asari care? They were the best minds in the galaxy after all, where better to find a cure for whatever was ailing her? Or might they just… well, better not dwell on that. One thing Nadara knew for certain, Ardat Yakshi were safer under the watchful eye of Asari High Command, where they could ensure no melding took place.

There was a sharp clattering from behind Kysar, at the door. Amina stood just outside the dilapidated entrance, frozen in place, as she stared at the scene before her. At her feet was a pile of shattered glass, a deep brown liquid spattered across the tiles. Amina’s eyes darted around at the scene before her, her arm half raised as she about to check the second message of the day she had received only walk into see half the team drawing their weapons on each other.

[color=662d91]"You better put those guns down and cool off, both of you,"[/color] Sol said, moving from the wall to come as close to both as she could without standing directly in the middle. [color=662d91]"Civilian facility, we don't want casualities of any kind. And goddamnit,"[/color] she sighed, exasperated - in disbelief that she was the one providing reason, [color=662d91]"we have goddamn fucking names."[/color]

She let her words hang in the air for a few seconds before her voice commanded out again; [color=662d91]"Did I stucking futter?"[/color]

[color=662d91][i]Fuck.[/i][/color]

Zenn's eyes darted from Kysar's only for a couple brief moments. First towards Amina when she walked in and dropped her glass, then towards Sol when she moved forward and practically ordered them to put their guns down. Each time he quickly switched his gaze back to the turian. Sol was right, though. They needed to disengage if there was any hope of diffusing the tension.

Zenn gave Kysar a quick nod, and slowly took his finger off the trigger while lowered his weapon.

[color=007236]"I seem to be a bit late to the Invictus standoff..."[/color]

[i]Zenobia appears almost out of nowhere on the scene, moving to stand where Nadara and Kysar could both see her, completely unarmed but the biotic energy flickering behind her eyes.[/i]

[color=007236]"But you're not going to accomplish anything now. She did what she had to do. Now let's all cool down and stop with the chest thumping."[/color]

[i]This seems...very uncharacteristic for Zenobia, who you'd think would be the one brandishing guns at Nadara alongside Kysar.[/i]

[color=800000]“Protect lives?! Spirits you are just so full of yourself. Do you have any idea what this girl did the first day of us landing in that bullshit desert? She got off the ship and immediately got to work helping the locals. I mean shit,”[/color] Kysar thought back, almost smiling at the thought. [color=800000]“She could barely hold a gun let alone fire one. Janiri couldn’t hurt a fly if she tried.”[/color]

[color=800000][i]She wanted to be a farmer.[/i][/color]

The Turian looked around, the scene was a mess, anyone who wasn’t a part of the team had split save a few civilians hiding in the corner. Sol was right, in her own awkward way of course, there had been too much innocent blood shed already.

[color=800000]“If you had bothered for one moment to think of someone else, maybe you would’ve found that out.”[/color] The gun lowered. [color=800000]“Where does shit like this end Nadara? What if your precious high command asks for Sol next or Zenn? I’ll tell you where it ends for me, right here. You do anything to anyone else and you’ll find out why they call me Venator.”[/color]

Holstering his pistol, Kysar turned to the group. [color=800000]“Do any of you know what it’s like to be branded as an outcast from birth? What it’s like being locked away in a prison? Think about that before you’re so quick to defends someone’s bullshit ‘duty’.”[/color] The Turian turned and headed towards the door. 

[color=800000]“There better be some people to kill in space Zenn!”[/color] He said as he left.

[i]Zenobia took a deep breath, muttering it more to herself then to anyone there, least of all Kysar.[/i]

[color=007236]"Yeah. Yeah I do."[/color] [i]She pinched the bridge of her nose, visibly frustrated.[/i]

[color=ffb302]“What is going on?”[/color] Amina blurted, stepping over the mess she had made. Resisting the urge to reach and place a hand on the handle of her pistol as she walked towards the others.

Zenn holstered his gun when Zenobia stepped in. Between her and Solveig, it was pretty clear he had to fear a pummeling more than getting shot. He remained silent as Kysar spoke, not wanting to even risk starting up another showdown. Once the turian had said his piece and left, Zenn let out a deep sigh. That could have ended horribly. At least now no one was leaving with any physical wounds, but there was plenty of emotion damage to go around. 

Amina finally entered the room and asked what was going on. Zenn simply shook his head and said, [color=0054a6]"Just ask Nadara. Apparently she's the only one informed here..."[/color]

Zenn stood there for another moment. Completely still and quiet. Kysar’s words still echoing in his mind.

[color=0054a6]"He's not wrong, Nadara."[/color] Zenn said somberly as he too made his exit. Though he did not turn back to even look at the asari. [color=0054a6]"Everyone has their allegiances, and you've shown us where yours lie..."[/color]

[i]Zenobia can't quite believe the side she's found herself on this time, and a part of her isn't exactly happy about it. Since when was nuance HER thing?[/i]

Amina raised an eyebrow as the Quarian walked past her. She glanced back in the direction of Nadara and the others. [color=ffb302][i]Hmm…[/i][/color]

Amina brought up her omni-tool and took a look at the most recent message which sent to her by Nadara. [color=ffb302][i]So that is what is going on.[/i][/color] Amina had personally handed over or allowed Janiri, the Asari rescued back in Cuba, to be taken by the Asari High Command. 

[color=ffb302][i]An Ardat Yakshi…[/i][/color] Amina had heard of the Ardat Yakshi though she on the whole knew little of them. In crude, common terms they were like some kind of Asari succubus, when they “melded” with others it caused severe neurological shock or something to that effect - killing the victim.

[color=ffb302][i]And Janiri was part of Kysar and Solveig’s original team. Well, this is certainly problematic.[/i][/color]

Amina did not know what to say really. She closed her omni-tool and stepped in a little closer as her mind raced. [color=ffb302][i]She still did hand a member of SRN over without even notifying the rest of us beforehand. Did Saracino know at the least?[/i][/color] Amina knew enough that the Asari took these Ardat Yakshi very serious and they were seen as a capital threat among their people. Perhaps Saracino did not wish to have an incident with the Asari. Then again to just hand over a member of his organization like that… [color=ffb302][i]If he did know. Did Nadara sneak her out of here or did she have SRN resources help? …Did she really think that sending that abrupt, sudden message like that would ease this through?[/i][/color]

On one hand Nadara should have reached out to everyone else, or at least Solveig and Kysar. But at the same time Nadara was just following orders, and maybe she or Asari command wanted to keep this quiet? Obviously not the latter since Nadara did send that short little message just earlier.

Nadara sat back down at the table, her gamepad lay forgotten on the table before her, where an image of her character lay dead flashing on the screen, likely sniped after she put the headset down when Solveig first arrived. That would be the last time those Batarians would allow her to join their team. It seemed like they weren’t the only ones who would be satisfied with removing Nadara as a member… 

She was in a state of shock as she massaged her temple, mentally reviewing the interactions that had just taken place. She hadn’t expected anyone to have such a reactionary response to her actions, much less question her loyalty, but now that it had been laid out for her, she couldn’t deny the way it appeared. This was no good. SRN had proven to be a good decision for her, and she needed it to work out, terrible relations with her teammates would simply [i]not[/i] do. Unpopular team members were rarely promoted, and Nadara definitely didn’t want the offer from Charles pulled out from under her. Not to mention, she would rather avoid awkwardness from hurt feelings in future assigned missions.

Her eyes slid upwards to Amina, Zenobia, and Solveig, who surprisingly had not left with the other two. She knew Solveig didn’t approve of her actions, that Zenobia at least seemed to understand she had done what she needed to do, but Nadara had no clue what was going on in Amina’s mind. The woman already seemed to be distrustful of ‘aliens’, [color=82ca9d][i]Goddess knows what she thinks now.[/i][/color]

[color=82ca9d]“I think this is all a horrible misunderstanding,”[/color] she said, not sure where to start. [color=82ca9d]“I don’t know how much you all know of Ardat Yakshi, but they are extremely dangerous and I needed to act quickly.”[/color] Nadara made eye contact with Solveig. [color=82ca9d]“I would never simply deliver you or any others on our team to Asari High Command without question, even if they would never demand such a thing. I hope you know that.”[/color] Aside from the fact that Asari had no reason to apprehend other species aside from criminal activity or involvement, and that apprehending Ardat Yakshi was an immense obligation, Nadara hadn’t considered Janiri to be part of their team. In fact, she hadn’t considered that she was part of a team at all until just now. She needed to fix this.

As Nadara stood once more to further explain herself, two armed mechs with weapons drawn approached along with a human in SRN uniform, whose own hand was resting on his holstered pistol. “I received reports of guns being drawn in the mess hall.” He looked around at the empty room and approached the four women.

Solveig gave something of a reassuring shrug in Nadara's direction. The whole situation was a mess and it was likely the team needed to break off to cool down. She was at least glad Kysar would be accompanying her to Zenn's mission. It would give him enough space. The tension between the Turian and Quarian would hopefully be relieved too. 

Turning to the mechs and the human, Solveig shrugged again. [color=662d91]"Issue is resolved, no guns now."[/color] 

The woman began on her way to the door, but didn't leave before grabbing a handful of napkins to wipe up the liquid on the floor and collect some of the sharp bits and pieces.

The man who must have been an SRN security narrowed his eyes but motioned for his mechs to lower their weapons. 

“Hm. Well, I’ll have to report this anyway. Please try to refrain from unholstering your hand weapons in the future.” With a final glance around the room, the man and the two mechs headed out, awkwardly pausing as he reached Solveig. “Ah, thank you…” then he continued in a louder tone so the others could overhear, “You will of course, be charged for the repair costs for the door.” After clearing his throat, the man exited with his mechs a few steps behind him.

[color=ffb302]“Not me.”[/color] Amina blurted very loudly. [color=ffb302][i]I will be damned if I am paying someone else’s repair bill.[/i][/color]

Amina looked at Nadara and then to Zenobia, then back to Nadara. Amina felt something tugging at her, she was not sure why or even what it was but something was nagging at her to speak to Nadara. To say something.

[color=ffb302]“You…”[/color] Amina started, shuffling forward, eyes downcast for a second.

[color=ffb302]“…you faced a tough decision,”[/color] Amina forced out, [color=ffb302]“I know what that’s like.”[/color]

[color=ffb302]“But… you should have consulted everyone beforehand. Or at least Solveig and the Turian. I mean… that was their teammate you had carried away. Asari succubus or not.” [/color]

[color=82ca9d] “I appreciate the sentiment.”[/color] Nadara knew Amina was trying to offer consolation, even if her version of it was a bit.. skewed. [color=82ca9d]“Perhaps I [i]should[/i] have discussed it with Solveig and Kysar,”[/color] she said, stressing the Turian’s name out of principle. Solveig had been right, they all had names, and if Nadara wanted to make any headway towards fixing what she’d done, she needed to learn to use them. They were all very different, with even more varying levels of fashion. Accepting these disparities might be difficult, but she would try.  

[color=82ca9d]“And it’s pronounced [i]Ardat Yakshi[/i],”[/color] she added, unable to prevent the annoyance from being corrected. [color=82ca9d]“Regardless, I appreciate your support in this.”[/color] She looked from Amina to Zenobia. [color=82ca9d]“Both of you. If I can even call it that.”[/color] Nadara sighed. [color=82ca9d]“I wonder if there might not be something I can do to remedy the situation.”[/color] She paused, considering for a moment before continuing, [color=82ca9d]“If… if I need it, would I be able to count on your assistance?”[/color] This was a first for her. Of course, she’d worked as part of a unit before, particularly when she was in the Asari Military, but never had she felt any need to request assistance outside of assigned missions.

[color=ffb302]“Could you maybe get her… back?”[/color] Amina asked. She let her query hang in the air for a minute. Amina found herself pondering in the silence. These Ardat Yakshi were supposed to be highly dangerous, but only if they melded with you as Amina remembered. Even if that were wrong SRN obviously trusted Janiri enough to bring her on, even if they did not know of her identity, and Kysar and Solveig seemed to really hold her to close importance. Convincing the Asari to release Janiri would be no easy feat but it was not impossible, was it? 

[color=007236]"Next to impossible, if half of what I've heard about these Night Demons are true."[/color]

[color=ffb302]“Could you talk to your superiors? Make an appeal to Saracino? Did he know about this, by the way?”[/color]

Nadara blinked. This was nothing like what she was considering. She’d thought an “I’m sorry” cake or some fresh outfits from Sartorial Nexus for the three who’d departed might make her sentiments clear. Kysar for one, really needed it. An updated appearance might just make up for his sour attitude. But honestly, Amina could do with a new outfit as well, and if Nadara was going to buy all four new outfits, she couldn’t very well leave Zenobia out of it. 

[color=82ca9d][i]Get her back?[/i][/color] That couldn’t be possible. And even if it was, Nadara would have to assume full responsibility should Janiri ever … slip up. Was she willing to take that kind of weight on? His tone and demeanor were atrocious, but the way Kysar spoke of Janiri made it seem like she hadn’t caused any trouble, that she had an honest yearning to help others. Nadara wondered how many lives this ‘demure’ Ardat Yakshi had taken. 

[color=82ca9d]“I didn’t speak with Charles directly,”[/color] she responded. [color=82ca9d]“But I assume my— ah, Asari High Command did, since I was forwarded all the appropriate documents. I sent him an email notifying him of the completion of the mission. I haven’t checked for a response since, but it hasn’t been that long.

As for my superiors… I don’t know. That is quite a large request. Never, at least as far as I am aware, has an Ardat Yakshi ever been released to the public. They pose far too much danger, and may cause interspecies disputes which Asari would rather avoid.”[/color]

[color=ffb302][i]I would not be surprised if Saracino was never the wiser. That email she sent him may very well be as big a shock for Saracino as her message was to the whole team. She may very well have just cost herself her place in SRN…[/i][/color]

But why did Amina really care? Nadara was a valuable team member of course and it was only natural not to want to lose someone so useful, so skilled. But Amina also felt a sort of angst, like she worried about Saracino or the others booting Nadara right out of the front door. And why? 

[color=ffb302][i]Because you sympathize that much with her,[/i][/color] Amina realized, [color=ffb302][i]she may be an alien, and a thick-headed one oft enough, but she also was given an assignment and she did as was expected of her by her longtime superiors. You’ve always respected those that could do the hard things, even if oblivious to it in some cases.[/i][/color] Amina wondered if she had not left the Alliance and Cerberus behind what she might do in a time like this, who would she turn on or mislead? Amina had followed a lot of orders in the past decade, some a lot harder than others, most of the tougher ones during her time with Cerberus. But when orders were given by your superiors you were to carry them out. That is just how it went.

[color=ffb302][i]You stopped following orders for both the Alliance and Cerberus in time. Because they were stupid orders. Senseless. Bad ones. And maybe Nadara should not have followed on this one.[/i][/color]

Amina’s mouth opened but she struggled to even make a sound. She just stood there, eyes glazed and no words crossing her lips.

[color=007236]"In a vacuum I wouldn't be happy about this, and I get where Kysar's coming from, but...well, I know how hardcore the Ardat-Yakshi can get. And I know how hardcore the Asari can get about keeping them secret. If I were them, I'd be even more desperate to keep this from getting out now."[/color] [i]She sighs.[/i] [color=007236]"Back in Eclipse, I knew a gal who was in the Asari Navy, or whatever you guys called it. Had an incident where a couple of Ardat-Yakshi got into a shuttle and escaped from wherever they were being kept. She quit the day after because her superiors ordered a fucking bombing run on the city to stop them from escaping the planet."[/color]

[color=82ca9d]“Asari Military,”[/color] Nadara corrected, after nodding solemnly at Zenobia’s recollection. It wasn’t uncommon for drastic measures to be taken when it came to Ardat Yakshi. [color=82ca9d]“Best I can do is look into this and see what I can find,”[/color] she said finally. [color=82ca9d]“But I wouldn’t hold my breath for any Hail Marys.”[/color] She grabbed the gamepad from the table along with her headset. [color=82ca9d][i]So much for time off…[/i][/color]

With a nod to Amina and Zenobia, Nadara headed out of the mess hall, which had started to slowly repopulate. Some were still commenting on the dispute, while others pointed openly between the doors and the women who still remained. Now that no weapons were drawn, they found their courage, it seemed.
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/w0XWwEk.png[/img][/center]
From the mess hall, Nadara reached her cramped assigned quarters. Her first thought had been that she needed a place to think away from the ever present and curious eyes of SRN operatives that swarmed the facility like cockroaches. It was only after closing the door behind her that she remembered the tight space and lack of typical room adornments that she had normally been accustomed to. Before she could decide on another place to seclude herself, a priority message from the SRN president came through.

[color=82ca9d][i]Must be his response to my message earlier,[/i][/color] she thought, opening the message on her omni-tool.

[hider=ENCRYPTED - BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION REQUIRED]
[code]
PRIORITY
From: Charles Saracino
To: Zenn'Valin vas Konesh, Amina Galal, Zenobia Vartius, Solveig Wistrom, Nadara V’Lanis, Kysar Proctus
Re: Sincere Regrets
[/code]
Greetings,

I have just been notified that a team member, Janiri Danya, was apprehended by Asari High Command early this morning. While I approved the request late last night, I was not aware things would be finalized so quickly. I had hoped to be able to reach out to you before then, so you would have a chance to say your farewells. I sincerely apologize I did not notify you sooner. I am sure the knowledge of Janiri’s transfer came as quite the shock to you as it did me this morning.

I’ll be candid in disclosing that I was contacted by Asari High Command with the information that Janiri is an Ardat Yakshi, who escaped from observation and has evaded capture for quite some time. The SRN was not aware of her condition or her status within Asari Society when she was contracted.

I was unfamiliar with this term, so will offer the same explanation I was given for those of you who may not know:
[indent][quote]Ardat Yakshi are Asari who are predisposed to a rare and dangerous genetic condition that expresses itself as an abnormality in the nervous system. This leads to an unavoidable ability to biotically dominate and kill partners during the Asari mating ritual commonly known as ‘melding’. Ardat Yakshi are considered especially dangerous, because once they have taken a life, the likelihood is increasingly heightened that further lives will be taken, akin to a drug addiction in humans. These Asari are closely monitored and every effort is made to prevent them from engaging in physical relationships that would result in the certain death of their partner.[/quote][/indent]

Rest assured, Asari High Command has ensured that they will continue medical care and research into Janiri’s condition and will share any developments and discoveries that might become useful to our own monitoring of Katya Serova.

Due to the delicate nature of the discovery of Janiri’s on-going condition, as well as confirmation of Asari assistance in uncovering more regarding both patients’ current condition, I believe I made the right decision in allowing Janiri to be transferred to Asari High Command.

Feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Charles Saracino
President, Sol Restoration Network
[/hider]

As Nadara read the message, she’d drifted over to her cot absentmindedly and sat, mouth agape as she realized the level of sentiment her team had expected from her, as opposed to the detached message she’d sent earlier. Well, how was she to know the others considered Janiri part of their team? Upon finishing the message, Nadara found herself on the cot and decided to simply stay put. Something was itching at the back of her mind that made this whole story with Janiri seem strange, and she didn’t want to have to look for a more comfortable space before looking into it.

From how Kysar had spoken of her, and from her involvement in the SRN, it didn’t seem as though she had quite gotten to the point of ‘addiction’ that her mother had made seem as certainty among Ardat Yakshi. Of course, there were a large quantity who became prolific in the number of victims whose lives they stole, but there were also many more who resided together in abstinence and had never taken a life. They remained isolated and under observation, of course, to prevent any inclinations that might stem from interactions with others, but they were otherwise harmless. 

Nadara used her mother’s credentials to enter into Asari Military encrypted extranet. She’d been quite young when she’d stolen the password and a brief tryst with a Salarian, who was quite the wiz at computer systems, allowed her to easily bypass the biometric verification requirements. The relationship had ended, but the benefits she had earned from them were still useful. In no time, she was able to pull Janiri’s file.

The first thing Nadara noticed was that there were no recorded deaths, which typically were listed at the very top of an Ardat Yakshi’s file, denoting how dangerous they were. Further digging into her medical files—Nadara couldn’t make heads or tails of the raw data, but thankfully there were copious memos included at each pertinent section—revealed that Janiri barely even qualified as an Ardat Yakshi in the first place. Nadara was unfamiliar with the intricate details of the genetic condition, but based on the notes she found, Janiri was not nearly as dangerous as she had been made out to be.

Nadara frowned. [color=82ca9d][i]Why did Lidanya make it seem like she was such an important target if she’d never even taken a life? And then go so far as to come to Earth from her precious Citadel to personally collect her?[/i][/color] Things just weren’t lining up.

The mystery was deepening. There was no use in continuing with these burning questions when she could simply reach out to Lidanya directly. Nadara sighed heavily, dreading direct contact with her mother (and for the third time today!), but her desire to get to the truth was now larger than her disdain.

[indent][quote]
[right][b][code]Nadara:[/code][/b]
[code]Why was Janiri such an important asset?
[/code]
[/right]

[b][code]Lidanya:[/code][/b]
[code] This is hardly of any concern to you, Nadara. You’re no longer even associated with the military.
[/code]

[right][b][code]Nadara:[/code][/b]
[code]Considering I’m the reason you even have her right now, I deserve some answers.
Why is she so valuable to you, and what are your intentions with her?
[/code]
[/right]

[b][code]Lidanya:[/code][/b]
[code] Alright. Perhaps your interest in Asari affairs is a good indication.
Janiri is valuable due to the vast wealth of information we can gain from her unique genetic make-up.
As a sedated and easily managed subject, the wealth of information we can gain from research and testing might mean invaluable breakthroughs for the Ardat Yakshi condition.
[/code]

[right][b][code]Nadara:[/code][/b]
[code]“Sedated… subject”
You never intend to get her back to consciousness, do you?
Was your agreement with the SRN all a lie?
[/code]
[/right]

[b][code]Lidanya:[/code][/b]
[code] Don’t be so crass, Nadara.
Of course we will uphold our end of the bargain to President Saracino.
While we conduct our own research, which will take priority over whatever this current condition is she’s found herself in, we will also share whatever we discover that’s pertinent.
[/code]

[right][b][code]Nadara:[/code][/b]
[code]Sure. I can read through the lines here perfectly well.
Answer me this. What if she’s an ‘unviable subject’ for your experiments?
[/code]
[/right]

[b][code]Lidanya:[/code][/b]
[code]As with any failed attempt, the experiment will be terminated.
[/code]
[/quote][/indent]

Nadara closed out of the messaging system on her omni-tool in disgust. She was familiar enough with her mother’s way of speaking to understand that Janiri’s life was in danger. That she was going to be used as nothing more than a pumping heart so Asari researchers could extract whatever valuable information they could from her, and then toss her aside when they were finished. All because she was an Ardat Yakshi—barely even one at that. Part of Nadara understood the necessity to undergo research. If there was a way to offer novel treatment for this uncurable condition, everything would change. Asari that had been kept isolated for hundreds upon hundreds of years, would be able to walk free. But was the life of one innocent Asari worth all that? 

This was much too dense for Nadara, especially so early in the day. A quick look at the time and she realized she’d be missing lunch today. Not that the slop they served in the mess hall was anything near what a meal should actually be, anyway. 

Nadara didn’t need to answer the difficult questions. In truth, she didn’t want to—[color=82ca9d][i]leave the thinking to the academics.[/i][/color] All she knew, all she had to know, was that this changed everything about her outlook from this morning. She thought she was capturing a murderer, someone who had taken lives and would continue to take lives indiscriminately as every escaped Ardat Yakshi did, she thought she was ensuring that her people’s reputation would be saved, that further unnecessary murder would be prevented. Instead, all she did was deliver her [i]sim’re[/i], an innocent Asari, a team member ([color=82ca9d][i]out of commission, but still[/i][/color]), to a life of unending experiments and medical tests. Essentially no life at all.

If the others knew this… 

Nadara stood, pulling on her gear before she’d fully considered the implications of her actions. First, she sent one final message to Lidanya.

[indent][quote]
[right][b][code]Nadara:[/code][/b]
[code]When will you be returning to the Citadel?
[/code]
[/right]

[b][code]Lidanya:[/code][/b]
[code]This evening, why?
[/code]
[/quote][/indent]

[color=82ca9d][i]Good. There’s still time.[/i][/color]

Next, Nadara sent a message to Amina and Zenobia, to which she didn’t bother waiting for a response before darting out of her room to secure transportation.

[indent][quote]
[b][code]Nadara:[/code][/b]
[code]Gear up and meet me at the entrance. 
We’re going to get Janiri back.
[/code]
[/quote][/indent]