Date: Tuesday, September 09, 2178
Location: Garin / Marshal Ress' Quarters
Time: Morning cycle, 7:16 AM

I was just finishing with my socks when Ress stirred in her sleep, hand groping around where I had slept right next to her. When she didn't find me she awoke with a start and a small gasp but calmed immediately when she saw me. I glanced at her from where I sat on the edge of the bed and she looked over to me with slightly squinted eyes.

"I would rather you not get up so early, Nova." She grumbled in distaste. I smiled at her gravelly voice and leaned back to rest my torso on the bed and get closer to her. Her hand came up and pressed over my ribs.

"Sorry." I murmured. "I'm used to shorter days. This is like nine or ten o'clock for me."

"Regardless." She muttered, closing her eyes and bringing up her other hand to rub at her face.

With a sudden urge to be cute I grinned and leaned my head down to press a few kisses to the woman's cheek and jaw. Her hand fell away at my interruption and I moved to her lips, wasting no time in savoring their feel. While the company Syn provided was nice, there was nothing quite like the touch of another human's skin or warmth. Just embracing someone was an immense comfort in my desolate world.

Ress chuckled when we ended the kiss with a lingering lock, and I pulled back with an inquisitive smile. She looked so beautiful when she smiled openly. "What?" I asked.

"You are hopeless, miss bounty hunter." I almost laughed just at the idea of Ress cracking a joke. But instead I restrained it, humming in agreement and kissing her again.

Eventually we did have to part and prepare for the day. It was a reluctant affair for the both of us. I would miss the human contact, especially since it was Ress I'd had it with. She might have seemed like a hardass but in bed she was… loving. Like it was the most normal thing in the world. I figured Ress didn't get much more contact than I did considering she kept her life and work separate and most of her staff found her intimidating, so her reluctance to get up was understandable.

I buckled on my lumbar pack and settled it against my lower back as usual. Its bottom sagged over the top of my ass and it was comfortable but it held a lot of my stuff as well. I needed it considering my pants' lack of pockets. A body suddenly pressed against my back and I found myself being hugged from behind.

"Let me hug you too." I entreated, itching to hold her properly. My pack was in the way, and while I loved the feel of her weight and heat against my back I much preferred the traditional contact.

A moment later she released me and I turned around. We stared at each other for a moment before she returned her arms around my waist. I wrapped mine around her shoulders and against her back. It was rather comfortable and with the contact I was able to try to relax in the moment. I couldn't think too much about it or I would become uncomfortable and pull away. Vulnerability was something I hated to ever feel let alone show.

"Thank you, Nova." Ress suddenly murmured a minute or two later.

"What for?"

"For being with me. I know this affair was far from serious and will last no longer, but I am happy to have met you, and been with you for the time we had." She explained softly. I held her tighter, feeling guilty and sad for the stark truth.

"I'm happy that we met." I murmured finally. "I was- I am lucky to have been with you, and to hold you now. I only regret being unable to stay." She squeezed me tighter in response to my words, and I turned my face to her neck as I closed my eyes, savoring her sandalwood smell. It would be some time before I could find another to match the intensity and care that Ress so effortlessly spilled forth.

A long time passed before we finally pulled back, and even longer before we released each other for what would be the last time. It was a bittersweet thing to experience, and not one I was never keen on reliving. As much as I had always avoided it I think Ress would always have a small part of me. She had been the first to show me such affection and caring, and she was so smart and beautiful. … She was also killer in her uniform.

It was slow going but we eventually made our way out of her house and toward the station. I followed Ress upon her request to check on the boy's status. I really didn't want to but she wouldn't let me leave without resolving the issue first. Sometimes it sucked that I was such a sucker for pretty ladies.

"Aside from the desert cold, malnutrition and heavy stress he's fine. There isn't anything wrong with his brain and his psyche is healthy for what he says he's been through. His bloodwork was matched to a woman named Lily Stone and a man named RJ Longman." Relief caught up to me knowing they found his parents. The kid wouldn't be able to stay with me if he had parents to…

"…" Shit… Stupid conscience. "What happened to them? Why was he in the Terminus by himself?"

The asari doctor sighed slightly. "RJ Longman committed suicide fifteen years ago. Lily Stone went missing just a few months afterwards. A transport she was on was attacked and only a few bodies were found on-ship."

"Fuck me." I whispered, hating that I asked. Still, now that we knew this kid really did have no ties. "No other relatives around I'm guessing."

"No." the doctor said regretfully. "Lily Stone went missing when she was still pregnant as far as the records show, so this boy still has no documents other than the blood tests I conducted stating who he most likely is."

Ress crossed her arms, "I'll have to have someone draw up some datawork to fill out. Nova, would you mind staying until I finish registering the boy?"

I looked at her skeptically, "What for? We know who he is now and I have no ties with him. He's safe here."

"You were all he would talk about." The doctor answered before Ress could. "Maybe you could talk to him and explain his situation? He obviously trusts you."

I sighed. There was little choice for me really. I could leave without saying anything and just put it behind me but this unfinished business would take up too much of my thought. Not to mention the honorable thing to do would be to help the kid out, if just a little more. I could talk to him but Ress and I had already said goodbye. I wasn't about to stick around for longer than absolutely necessary after that.

"Fine." I reluctantly agreed. "I'll see him. But what the hell am I supposed to say?"

"Just tell him what's going on and that we're trying to help him. You seem to be the only one who has his confidence." Ress replied. I let out a breath and nodded.

"Alright. Where is the brat?"

…

What the hell kind of masochist was I? Talking to the kid was one thing, even though I knew it would go badly no matter what I said. My terrible lack of skills at comforting children likely played into the boy's hysteria.

I had not expected him to react the way he did. "I don't care! My parents are dead, they have been since I was born!" he almost shouted. I would have replied and asked if he really didn't care about the people that bore him but in the next second he latched onto me.
"You're here now and you matter! Please don't leave!" I rolled my eyes and tried to push him off of me. His little arms refused to let go.

"Kid, these people are trying to help you. I'm not staying here, I'm leaving. I go to dangerous places that no kids should even be around. I'm not going to repeat myself and tell you the same things I've already made clear." I said firmly.
"Now calm down and listen to me. You're going to be well taken care of. Cooperation is the path of least resistance. Meaning the better you adapt to your situation the less stress you'll go through. Letting the Marshal and that doctor help you out will let you live a peaceful life. Once you're eighteen you can find your own way but until then you'll have to depend on the good people that offer you help. Withdrawing into your own mind and clinging to people like me is just asking for trouble."

"I don't care."

Of course not. "Kids…" I whispered in exasperation, letting my head fall back to stare at the ceiling. "I don't know what you want me to do."

"Keep me." he stubbornly requested.

"I. Can't." I was really starting to get tired of this kid. "You want to be around the scum of the galaxy, living with no structure or loving family or cool planet air? I have nothing to offer you and I don't want a kid hanging around in my ship distracting me from my job."

A long moment passed before I felt his grip loosen before slowly falling away. He didn't look up at me. His cheeks were flushed and his face was twisted bitterly. I couldn't say much more and I didn't really know what to say. "What do I do?" he whispered as stray tears fell from his angry gaze.

I cringed and felt suddenly uncomfortable. It was an awkward situation for me, but leaving the boy feeling the way he did might not be the best course of action. Even so, he needed to toughen up and clear his mind. The longer I stuck around the more false hope I threw at him. So, I simply set my hands on his shoulders and knelt down. He wouldn't look me in the eye, but I didn't really need him to. I knew he was listening.

"Be strong, and be good, and never take shit from anyone." I said first. "But what you do with your life, and what you want to make you truly happy, is up to you."

Without another word I stood back up and slipped out of the room.

"You're doing the right thing, Nova." To my left I found Ress, looking at me with her arms folded demurely.

I nodded slightly, "I know." I took a deep breath and leaned against the wall facing her. "What happens to him now?"

"We finish his datawork while he's being checked out. Afterwards we find a place for him to live. Most likely he will be sent to a nearby orphanage."

I hummed in acknowledgment as I recalled the stories and news reports of modern orphanages. With the various races came lack of understanding, sometimes unintentional abuse or neglect and cases of bullying or racism. As a human the boy would be at the lowest rung of the foster food chain. His only saving grace was his stubbornness.

"You think someone could adopt him before he reaches the system?" I wondered idly, rubbing at my chin thoughtfully.

I could feel Ress' eyes on me, calculating my intentions. "I know of no one that would adopt a Terminus teenager off of my station's doorstep so quickly. What do you have in mind, Nova?"

I could hear the accusation- or perhaps suspicion- in her voice. "Don't worry, I'm not planning on taking him in." I placated. "I was just remembering how bad the system can be in worlds based by different races."

She was quiet for a moment and looked away. "The orphanage in the next city over is nice place. He will be well taken care of."

By the way she spoke of it I knew right away that she was familiar with the place. "Ress…" I went to move away from the wall but she stopped me.

"-No." startled by her harsh tone I paused. I could see the vulnerability in her face, the unwillingness in her eyes. It was a long moment before she looked at me. "I'm sorry. I cannot allow any more physical contact between us. … It would be difficult."

I could feel my heart beating in my chest. Adrenaline leaked into my system and caused my lungs to speed up a little. I was unsure as to what I could say to make it easier for either of us. Truth be told I understood how she felt; the longer I spent with her, the longer I wanted to stay. Human attachment was not an easy thing to break when it was forged several times by such intimate acts.

"I understand." I finally said, and withdrew. "I'll leave then, I suppose…" the atmosphere between us was far from comfortable. "Goodbye."

Please stop me. Even just for a moment…

I didn't want to say we would meet again because I didn't want either of us to harbor false hope. The galaxy was a large place and I was always kept busy by bounties and private jobs. Even if I did try to come back there was no guarantee I would make visits more often than every few months. Add onto the fact that coming back and trying so hard to be together whenever we could would be as close to a relationship as I had ever come. I couldn't be sure of my emotional stability in such a situation regardless.

I took a moment to gaze upon Ress' features one last time before turning away.

Hold me one more time.

I wanted to stop myself and stay, at least for a few more days until I was called in for a private gig. But I knew that despite my wants I had other targets to track down and a schedule to keep. My legs moved as if by their own volition, dragging me further away from the Marshal. The further we were apart, the more solidified the fact I was leaving became in my mind. The easier it was for my mind to start compartmentalizing this irritating human need.

Don't let me go so easily.

There was little doubt in my mind that I would never see Ress again. Life just didn't flow that way for me.

…

Location: Garin / Spaceport / Dock 6

A heavy sigh left me as I walked up the back ramp to the Saber's bay. I felt so drained and lethargic from the day I didn't doubt I would be getting an early night. Considering it was still only the afternoon it would be a while before I could rest.

"Good afternoon, master. I'm happy that you arrived back safely." I didn't bother looking up as I rubbed the back of my neck in exhaustion.

"Hey, Syn." I answered tiredly. "Let's get off this rock before the vines start growing."

"Of course, master." The assassin mech drawled in content. He never did like staying in the same place for very long. With the boy and the two of us having been separated so much the past day was enough to wear on his patience quickly.

"Let's also never come back." I muttered. I didn't want to explain it and I didn't want to face any of the reasons why I felt the way I did. The boy, Ress, the station, even the orphanage- the world Garin itself was already becoming a reminder of things I had lost and other things I would never be allowed to have.

"Master, before you withdraw to your quarters would you like to examine the reward for your bounty?" Syn asked with something of a mischievous tone.

That reminded me, Baktoid hadn't sent me my bounty yet. If they thought they could get away with not paying me, they would learn what hellfire hunters could wield.

When I looked up to see what he was talking about I realized the answer to my missing chit. Counting them all up there were several mechs standing in front of me. "Syn, what the hell is this?" I demanded (he would argue that I whined). There were six combat mechs, two mid-thigh quadrupeds and two humanoids. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

"I went to the factory with the intention of acquiring only one mech for daily maintenance and sanitation, master, but once there I was faced with better offers. My original request of one droid was denied on the basis of set-sales." He began to explain.
I remained quiet and let him speak as I glanced over each mech individually. "Each set was based in certain specialties and labeled with numbered 'editions'. I found two of the sets to be necessary based on individual needs."

I truly didn't feel the need to have so many mechs. Syn and I took care of the ship just as well. My AI and I were organized and strong. The ship could do with some cleaning but we took care of the maintenance and the piloting. What could Syn have gotten into his mind to think that we would need more than that?

"Upon discovering the third edition the factory offered I quickly devised many uses for the mechs' security specialties." I frowned thoughtfully at the ugly tan mechs who stood stoically, just similar to soldiers.
"Such as guarding prisoners and keeping vigilant in the ways of the ship to prevent future meatbag-stowaways from invading your space." As long as they came without strings attached I could deal with them. They might let me get more sleep if they could actually guard acquisitions.

"And what about these others?" I inquired, looking to the other mechs in attendance.

"The first junk pile is a sanitation droid. This other trash here is the last of the Wayfarer set I chose not to immediately destroy for parts you might want, master." I wondered if they were supposed to look like less-skeletal LOKI mechs. Their secondary coloring was blue rather than red, and I had to admit it looked batter that way.
"It is a translator for those pesky meatbags that refuse to use them and also acts as a cultural guide. Perhaps it could also teach you proper etiquette when dealing with certain clients, master- consider also the better mind it will pay to your appointments in the future."

I frowned at him in disapproval at his condescending tone.

"Of course, you are perfectly capable and organized yourself, master, but perhaps this will allow you to think of other, more important things." He amended respectfully.

"Such as bounties?" I inquired flatly.

"Yes, master!" he delighted. "Killing is very important to our way of life." He lectured wisely. I wondered where that part of his programming came from. I certainly didn't install it when I built him. But he was an AI, so a personality was bound to crop up on its own. Some parts of it more apparent than the others.

I scowled, but the walking tin can had a point. I tried to be polite enough to get the job but sometimes the stuffy types decided I shouldn't get paid or I deserved a smaller cut because of my 'bad manners'. They were generally the fat ones or the greedy batarian and turians.
The asari clients I had had generally tried to pay me less and sex me more- as if it would make me forget or not notice they cut the agreed amount by almost half. If they hated the stereotypes of their loose behavior, they needed to take stock of their 'faster' negotiation methods. Sitting in a room with them for fours days discussing the same bounty over and over again was preferable even.

Another reason I like Aria so much. She never bribes me.

I noticed that Syn had only explained two of the sets. There were two more mechs- the quadrupeds. They were practically FENRIR models save for the streamlined, brass-colored bodies. "What about these?" I asked and gestured to them.

Syn replicated the sound of a tired sigh. "Because I requested for more than one mech- although they denied my request for only one- these sets were sold to you at highly discounted prices. The Baktoid meatbags decided to deduct these prices from the bounty reward. What was left was very little and so I was offered to take these edition five scrap piles in exchange for the last of the bounty money."

I felt like slapping my own face in exasperation. "What are they supposed to be?"

"Shadow infiltration units programmed to scout and spy on enemy forces under stealth. A job that I take care of already, of course, but when I pondered this I realized I would be allowed to stay at your side during hunts or if I was otherwise occupied I would feel more secure knowing there were mechs at your side ready to take enemy rounds for you." Syn explained this as if irritated.

I thought on all of this a moment, weighing the loss and the gain, before coming to a conclusion. "Alright, Syn. I see what you mean, and these sets do sound like they would be a great help. I'm going to need to examine all of them and see what needs upgrading or reformatting but this many mechs for fifteen grand is pretty cheap... Even if they do look less sturdy than they should."

I knew the rudimentary programming was due to AI phobias in society and general lack of research into how far mech minds could go; the reliance on mass effect technology was also a large crutch. I firmly believed it was in how one was taught and how one was programmed that caused AIs to either help or kill.

"I am glad you approve, master." Syn drawled happily. "I will set our course for your next originator while you acquaint yourself with your bounty."

Once he was gone I went to the protocol mech first. With a few voice recognition recordings and manual activation, the thing went off to my quarters to assimilate my itinerary correspondence and schedule. I supposed it would be nice that it offered time zone advice as well so I could plan more efficiently in the future. Even so I didn't feel as if I would entirely depend on the thing.
The heap was barely programmed to do its job. It walked to keep up, spoke to explain, and knew languages to translate. The secondary programs held the culture, history and etiquette parts. I supposed it could work as an ambassador so I didn't have to deal with some of the worse ones or it could take calls for me, but to do that I would need to upgrade it to act like a person rather than a robot butler.

Next came the sanitation mech. Reluctantly, for I took security seriously, I set up its available programming and gave it the schematics to the Saber. With its path to repair and maintenance set, it hobbled over to the land-speeder I had in storage to scan it and determine if it needed attention. No doubt it did; I had gotten the piece of crap from a cheap salvage dealer back on Omega in place of actual money. That was last time I went to the trouble of taking a bounty before employing the steel deal.

For some of the mechs, it seemed that transcendence was necessary for a few of them to perform the jobs or acts that I wanted them to. Syn turned out extremely well, all things considered. Without him being an AI I would have died a while ago. Because while it may have been 'safer' to keep to bare programming for specific functions, VIs that were nurtured and taught like people and treated with respect, the AIs they became were smarter, stronger, more courageous and certainly more loyal beings.

At least in my experience.

I would leave the rest for later, however I did want to begin working on the protocol mech before anything else. It would be rather irritating and cause several injuries in the process but once I got it upgraded I would never have to think about answering calls again. Until it broke anyway.

As the bay door closed behind me and the ship fired up, I moved to the security mechs to check out their systems. I popped open the first right mech's front torso plating to find the 'control panel' of sorts. It was much emptier than I expected it to be. Where there should have at least been some kind of core power module there was little more than a hooked battery cell bolted and enclosed by mass effect tech-wires. I glanced at its hands only to see twin barrels on each one.

By my estimates, it was a mech designed to run for a long time and mow down stupid, unarmored enemies without any real level of intelligence. So while they looked different from LOKI mechs their basic programming was too similar to be anything 'elite'. Unfortunately, this was as high-end as it got. Its single eye was able to switch through different modes of sight and its body housed just enough motion, heat and energy detectors to keep it from bumping into any walls or machines.

Although the mech had thick armor and looked much tougher than LOKI mechs it lacked upgrade able shields. Its design told me that it didn't move very quickly or smartly.

I set its plating back in place with a sigh and resolved to overhaul them later. At the earliest, I could fix up two of them before my next bounty. Hopefully. It wasn't as if I was made of money.
More annoyingly, I would have to check to quadrupeds before said bounty as well. I first sent the security mechs to specified locations to start patrolling although I really didn't need them. It was best they at least become familiar with the layout of the Saber.

The scouts were better put together and had more specific programming but again they could do with a heavy level of improvement; their bodies were modeled to look sleek but only seemed clunky, and their thin, fragile-looking legs no doubt did little to help in bad terrain. The armor plating was thin and with the coolant/heating systems right below the surface they wouldn't do well in any harsh temperature conditions. They also lacked any type of helpful shielding.

"We will arrive to Omega five days from now, master." Syn chimed in, pulling me from my contemplation.

It took me a moment to recall what meeting I had that would cause me to travel to Omega of all places. The reminder of Aria's most recent call was slow coming, and when it did I found myself reluctant to meet with her again. As much as I liked the asari, the last time I had gone to her place had not been fun. I needed to be ready for dirt and grime, as well as the newest gutter rat I would be sent after.

Hopefully Aria would have some of that nice blue alcohol I kept forgetting the name of. Something about Azure…

Note: I know this was a pretty terrible chapter filled with plenty of mechanical crap most of you probably don't care about. I'm sorry but I feel it was necessary to get across the idea of alternate payment methods even large companies might use, and how their advertisements are not to be taken at face value. The next one should be about as long if not longer and answer a few background details.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to review of course.