.

Author's note: The story starts in late 2182, right before the events of Mass Effect 1. The Systems Alliance is struggling to take its fair share in galactic politics and strengthen their positions at the Citadel. The Alliance decides to house one of the first instances of the Citadel's Interspecies Exchange Programme, in an attempt to further improve relations with the galactic government. But the programme turns out to improve other relations as well, as the young female turian soldier finds unlikely rejoice in the company of a not so much of the same kind human, while the gears of a sinister machine are slowly turning to stir the galaxy closer to its fate... just like every 50 000 years.

The main idea behind the story was to explore the numerous aspects of how a relationship could form and develop between a human and an extraterrestrial alien despite the several physical and social differences, and what burdens should they face or overcome to preserve such relationship - if it is possible at all? Two Kinds the Same is an adventurous field trip and study for above topic, and hereby I invite the reader to partake in this journey!

The story follows Mass Effect canon and features a series of canon and original characters.

While 'Two Kinds the Same' stands in its own right, it is also a tribute to another artist's piece of work; thus contains details, intertwines and tie-ins to its root of inspiration: 'A Matter of Race and Character' from the pen of the exceptional writer Xeno-Sapian. It is highly recommended to read his story for the complete picture and unforgettable experience.

For related artwork, find my gallery at DeviantArt under screen-name "bayzee".

Enjoy!

Two Kinds the Same

Chapter I.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Maverick Pub, Milgrom, Bekenstein [Boltzmann System – Serpent Nebula] – 14:45 LT – 2182.11.07 CE

The young, smartly clad man had been tampering with the classic looking cork-coaster, which he picked up from under his glass, for several minutes by now. Rolling and folding it between his fingers, while enjoying the fresh air he missed so much in London, he wondered if it was made of cork at all…

"… Well, my wife is a curious woman, but tell me one that's not! She knows how far she can go though. And frankly I am quite happy 'bout that. If she was too nosy, might earn her – and myself – some serious headache." the elder man sitting at the other side of the small round table said jovially.

"You know that it doesn't sound reassuring, right?" Kevin shot an eyebrow up with a lopsided smile. "I want to be confident that our business stays between us. And Liz should be the last person to worry about, not the first!"

"Yes, of course. I know. I am just… joking. She won't be a problem, nor anyone else. I strictly keep my job to myself. All the connections behind the shipping data and contact details are either stored on my private remote servers or sealed away offline; only I have access to them. I would never reveal my clients identity for nothing! " he noticeably changed to a more serious tone, leaning in closer, propping himself on his elbows against the table. "If you want to stay on the surface on Bekenstein, you got to have your guards up all the time. There is plenty of competition who would happily take your place any minute; and if you're not watching your back, you're going down in a blink of an eye, Kevin. I learnt the lesson a long ago" the man stared at Kevin with an empty look while nodding repeatedly as if he had just realized that he'd discovered some profound truth.

"I am feeling lucky that I am working with a professional, Jamal" he smiled confidently "You know: who is playing safe, and well prepared."

"Yes, you got to be good at what you are doing, or get wasted. That's what I always lived by."

"Yet, our business seems to be in contradiction with what you've just said."

"Ohh, Kevin," he rattled, clearing his throat "both of us have to make a living, haven't we? I promised you would get some details on the volumes and destinations of the cargo, but that's all. You can't expect me giving away my clients!"

"Yeah, that is true. If you do not offer, it is definitely not something I would ask for. That would be inappropriate and definitely unethical. However to be honest it would be of true value to me."

Kevin started to run his fingers along the rim of his glass in circles, addressing it with his dedicated attention, while speaking to Jamal "But I am glad that at least your game is playing out well. With the Systems Alliance running for strengthening its reputation, it is a smaller kind of miracle that you manage to stay off the radar – the fortunate man I am. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't even have this small info to get on with…" he shot his eyes up at him "For our fruitful business relationship! Cheers!" he said raising his glass of wine.

Kingsley reluctantly raised his mug of beer to clink their glasses. Now that they faced each other again, he could see the changes on his partner's expression: the signs of unrest sat out on it; the effect, which he dearly expected from his former words.

"Ah, yeah. Cheers." he said blinking a few times, waking from his absence and trying to assume a relaxed pose again with less success "Now, it is true I have not much to complain about; the ships are running, there are some orders placed…"

Kevin felt there was more to Jamal's recap over how well it was going for him.

"Though, you cannot be cautious enough when the authorities are breathing down your neck… Two weeks ago I got one of my shuttles caught at a checkpoint. Good thing it was a forerunner, but still got it shut down by Alliance for a missing signature from the service logs! I can't even remember the last time I heard about such a thing! I thought they didn't even look at those logs! A few days later another shuttle was pulled over and torn up to the last screw! Then this week one of my pilots did not log in for his shift. I assumed the lazy idiot was sleeping in, but turned out soon that he was arrested two days earlier when he was doing a private shipment. The authorities have already been calling me for interview. If they spoil my game, I might lose a lot. Damn, would be nice to say that we can keep doing our business, Kevin, but to deliver with no interference, I could really use some ease… or rather, some leverage."

Finally.

Jamal Kingsley was just one of the hundreds of thousands of swindling businessmen on Bekenstein, aspiring to belong to the upper ten thousand. But he had something that Kevin needed, and he felt he'd worth the effort. This was the fifth time he met the stumpy, red face, sparse hair man, and he could always tell by the fine material that he was wearing some high brand suit – the same one each time. He knew how to insinuate himself into his favour: letting him talk, paying attention, showing interest about whatever he talks of, and show him respect, as if he was already one those white collar criminals who already washed themselves clean under the shower of their credits. But sympathy was not everything, he needed a grip, something he could get a hold of, and now, he didn't have to wait any longer.

"What do you mean, my friend?"

"The last time we spoke you said… you had some friends with the Alliance at that…"

"Charity cocktail party" he put in.

"…Yes!"

"The cocktails were crap."

"Yes… well, you..."

"And the caviar tasted like tainted Salarian-eggs. Or so do I imagine." he mused furrowing his brow, while gazing in the distance behind Kingsley's back.

Kingsley halted for a moment with a fleeting wince across his face, probably picturing what he had just heard, then shook his head slightly and continued with renewed resolve:

"Erm, so you mentioned that the Alliance was going down hard on any skimming happening to the transportation of goods to the Citadel from Bekenstein. And as you know, I'm trying to hold a reasonable profit here with a few tricks, which involuntarily contradicts Alliance trade regulations… Despite my best efforts." he added reluctantly. "But, you suggested that the Alliance might not necessarily be a problem…" Kevin's eyes snapped back at Jamal's face with a firm nod. "And if I ever needed some heads up…"

"And I didn't forget about it. Just what friends are for, hm? I thought you might appreciate it the next time we meet, so…" Kevin slipped his left hand into his packet and placed a little cubical device in the middle of the table, while his eyes quickly wandered around the terrace of the bar. "… pulled some strings." he allowed himself a smirk.

Kingsley's eyes widened as he regarded the little box shaped plastic between his glass of beer and Kevin's already empty plate.

"Oh… I don't know what to say. Is it…?"

"Yes, as I referred to it, there is some serious political pressure on the Alliance to get its supervisory status right and effective over the colonies' markets. They figured in the past few years enormous amounts of tax went down the sinkhole. Analysts joke it's rather a black hole, and from the supermassive kind that the Alliance should patch up now, if they don't want to spiral down into bankruptcy. This is a time when humanity needs all the resources to gain a firm stance before the Council. Humanity mustn't be perceived as weak. So, they won't be joking with this."

Some silence settled in as Kevin gave a lingering look of confidentiality at Jamal, who seemed to consider the situation duly.

"Well, that is what the top dogs are saying! But it wasn't the good old human government if everything worked out as planned. So here's the deal: Alliance is shutting down any black or grey market channels, unless some personal interest occurs on a high enough level of course. And believe me the blues will hang up their fine golden braid unis, too someday. And they are as keen on saving for the twilight years as you and I." giving it a second thought his words suddenly sounded utmost ridiculous to himself; he was slightly older than 26. Involuntarily recalling how he let his sparse beard grow for the last few days to look just a wee bit older today, didn't help either. Choking on his chuckle, he let out a confident laugh to ease up a bit; however Jamal seemed to be more concerned about what Kevin was about to say than getting snagged on his logical lapse. "I shouldn't be telling anything new by saying this place is hardly run by the Alliance. If the tycoons upstairs don't see their good share, Alliance will have to wage a bureaucratic cold war against Bekenstein to bring their reign down. And that would also mean bringing down the closest and richest human colony right in the neighbourhood of the galactic honey pot… And anyone messing up such a strong business channel to the Citadel now would be thought outright crazy. So what's happening now? Figureheads get their numbers back on Earth in the form of long reports of arrests and judicial resolutions on shutting down some petty, negligible dirty businesses on Bekenstein big time! They get happy as they can make the media happy, which makes the people happily electing the happy politicians happily patting the shoulders of the happy Alliance brass; which makes Bekenstein happy, and eventually us; as long as you don't belong to those… going down for the sake of the show."

Kevin let his words settle well in Kingsley's mind to realize how much trouble was coming his way. This balmy sunny afternoon surely felt a lot more overcast for him now. It didn't keep Kevin from enjoying the exotic whistles and tweets of the avian creatures in the forest below the terrace, while seeing all the giveaway signs of anxiety on his partner. The wrinkles on Jamal's forehead definitely seemed more intense in these lights. And isn't he scratching his thumb while gripping that mug so nervously? Oh not a lip-bite, please!

Finally he leant forward and continued, lowering his voice, while pushing the little device closer to Kingsley "This is an NFC drive. I couldn't risk anything found on my omni-tool in case of security checks. Well it's nothing incriminating – not, as long as you don't know what it is, so you should download its contents, now… I can't give you the chip" he added firmly.

Kingsley reacted with a short lag as if he was still pondering about the forthcoming Alliance measures. His omni-tool flashed up as he placed his right wrist above the device, pressing a few buttons on the interface. 'DOWNLOAD COMPETE' the holographic screen flickered out. Got you!

"The Alliance wants coordinated busts with significant force for an extended period. They are not risking any mercenaries interfering or causing trouble during the investigations. These are the lists of times, locations and key aspects based on which the checks are going to be made. You want to avoid them, get clean during the areal busts, and you definitely don't want to pass it on. Remember, some must go down for some going up. If you are playing hero, the Alliance might get suspicious and it's a matter of time until someone turns you in; and I won't be able to help you again… Oh and if I were you, I would start getting the shuttles' papers right no later than today – if you take a look at the closest date on the list. It would be a shame to slip on that."

First startled at the imminent threat, he finally let out a mumbled "Right," frowning "How could I thank…"

Kevin sat back slowly leering his partner's face with anticipation, then glanced down at the NFC chip that he left on the table. He had to force the sly smile off his face.

"You…oooh, you want the client records." Jamal looked up at him bewildered. A few minutes ago he wouldn't have guessed he would consider disclosing his records just within the frame of a few minutes!

Kevin made an emphatic and slow nod as he briefly flared his hands with agreement "You are doing shipping, I am doing marketing. I put you ahead of your competition, how can you put me ahead of mine?"

Kingsley was shifting in his seat uncomfortably and quickly casted his eyes to the side in frustration. Kevin could almost hear the creaking gears as Jamal's brain was struggling towards a favourable solution. He took a sip of his wine.

"All right. I guess I don't have a choice."

"You always have a choice."

"Heh!" Jamal snorted cynically. "I don't have the records on me now. I have to get them…"

"No pressure, Jamal. You said that you had them on remote servers. Though I wonder how you reach them when you are away."

Kevin pondered casually while watching his partner mulling over his next reply.

"Well, I have the most recent ones that I'm working with. I can reach them over the extranet through secure tunnels, but I set read only rights on the files even for myself so copies are troublesome to make. I mean, there is lots of data there to take screenshots."

"Show me the records between 28 October and today, please." he asked, and Jamal resignedly fired up his omni-tool to connect to his severs. Kevin reached out for the NFC chip and slid it back into his pocket. He was slightly surprised how long it took for Kingsley to log in to his archives. It didn't seem practical; although he mused if it was the result of using several layers of encryption, with the software executed manually, or simply the lack of computing skills. Inside his head he put a bet on the latter. "And Jamal, I will come for the rest of the files dating back to January 2180 in two weeks."

Kingsley noted his reminder with a nod, and held out his hand with the list of files for Kevin to see. Damn, that's truly a huge pile of data. Kevin furrowed his brows as scrolled through the databank systematically. His lips stirred occasionally as he read the entries from the screen. Kingsley was tapping his finger impatiently – he definitely felt inconvenient to have someone else messing with his omni-tool. However it was more likely Kingsley's conspicuously nervous demeanour that attracted a few prying looks, instead of Kevin's trifling with the other man's device.

Within a further minute Jamal's embarrassment was finally over as Kevin leant back with a firm sigh. "That is really a lot of info!"

"I told you."

"Well, thank you, Jamal! Unfortunately, I found nothing just yet that I could use right now, but I definitely need these records unfiltered and unaltered." he emphasized with a stern look in the eyes "If I run into some fiasco because the data I'm going to grab from you in two weeks will have been altered…"

"There will be no problems Kevin, we have made a deal. You help me, I help you."

"I'm just feeling lucky that I'm working with a professional" he smiled reassuringly as he swigged the remaining wine from the bottom of his glass.

Kevin insisted to pay the check and offered Jamal to leave freely as he was still staying to enjoy the sight, given the short periods of time he spent in this mock Garden of Eden.

The Maverick Pub was intentionally decorated to recall the romantic image of tropical seashores of the Caribbean on Earth, quite contradictorily on an artificial elevation on the side of the city, far above the treeline. Nonetheless the view was amazing; lush forests expanding till the plateaus of the horizon, breathing clouds of mist; streaks of the sun piercing through them casting slowly shifting shadows on the foliage. A rare sight on Earth, if there is still such a thing. The massive city of Milgrom laid in the opposing direction, carefully hidden from the eyes by the palm trees and rustic wooden wall design elements of the bar.

When Kingsley had been off-sight for a couple of minutes, Kevin finally stood from the table, yanking on his suit as he regarded his surroundings. He nodded at the waiter, pointing at the money he placed on the table by the slip then he strode into the restroom. It almost felt like being at home he thought. He hardly saw any aliens in Milgrom apart from the spaceport and the central market that he paid a brief visit the first time he was on Bekenstein. Even then he felt a bit like a village boy in a metropolis; he rather just lingered around, amazed of the immense structures and the vivid, whirling crowd of people mixed with some aliens. But with a sudden change of thoughts he was more interested in getting to the tap and flush his face with some water. It was a pain in the ass, but he's done it. He looked into the mirror and addressed his reflection coquettishly "You were good, man! You've made it!". Cupping his face he soaked the water up off his skin with a towel, when another face appeared in the mirror, glancing at him, throwing a flat compliment "Congratulations." and leaving the room after a swift hand wash.

By the time the door of the cubicle the man emerged from behind closed, Kevin was finally alone again with his smile frozen on his face. He decided it was high time to leave. He quickly made sure that no one else was staying in the restroom, then locked himself in one of the cubicles and held the NFC dire in one hand. With a faint electric whizz his omni-tool's holographic interface manifested around his right forearm, illuminating his face with its orange light. The next moment the little chip was levitating as if it was magnetically held in position before the omni-tool's virtual fabricator pikes, but of course, it was merely a mass effect field; in a few seconds the fabricator emitted a prompt bolt of light arching between the omni-tool and the chip, and the latter was no longer but smoke and ash. After grabbing the chance of relieving himself, during his leave he gave a final, closer look at his eyes in the mirror that seemed doubtlessly red now, but didn't bother.

On his way out from the Maverick he fixed his eyes on the man with a characteristic moustache who had been sitting at the third table behind Kingsley the whole time with a laptop. He realized that now the haptic interface of the device was turned on, while the man was sipping his coffee peacefully, watching some kind of movie on the screen; he shivered. Oh great; I've got company.

Kevin hesitated promptly, then immediately realized he should have better moved on as if nothing had happened. This quick thought resulted in a jerky lag before he set out on his way towards the exit at the far end of the terrace. He hoped his hitch would not give his awareness away. The sign was unmistakable; his mind was racing if staying any longer in an attempt to spot anybody watching him would be worth it, but he already reached the door. No point doing that; the place is having its peak hour, no chance taking out any stalkers in such a crowd. In a vain attempt he ran his glance over the hoard of patrons.

Taking a sharp turn at the gate he headed in the direction of the vast Nephilim Park stretching a few levels above where he was now. The shortest way led across the wide street behind the bar, and up the stairs on the side of what looked like a huge and long embankment spiralling along the southern boundary of the city. Its true function was a mystery to Kevin, but it was almost certain that the structure provided static solidity to the mega-complex built upon and around it, rather than protecting against flood.

The cacophony of the terrace was gradually giving place to the soothing rustle of local, nevertheless still pretty exotic looking trees and bushes planted and hedged in the style of a French formal garden as Kevin padded up the stairs; although his mind was way too occupied to enjoy the sight. He did not hurry; at each turn he let his eyes leisurely wander out to the vista of the horizon covered in silky mist – and also, to the street down below for brief seconds, bouncing from face to face as fast as possible. He could feel his heartbeat becoming faster, which paired with his frustration over realizing his mistake of staying too long in the restroom, probably giving enough time for assuming good positions to whoever was tailing him. Given such a blatant head start, of course nobody was careless enough to rush up right behind him and to be honest, nor were they in the need of doing so.

Kevin fired up his omni-tool casually, dialling "Honey" from his contact list. While establishing connection, he picked a sympathetic bench in the shades of a shape-trimmed tree with yellowish trunk and branches, which delicately bent upwards more or less like acacias of the savannahs back on Earth, forming an umbrella-like shroud above him.

"Hello?" a calm female voice answered.

"Hey honey!" he exclaimed with such a broad grin it was probably picked up by geographical satellites, too.

"I was afraid you would never call." the woman said in an obviously feinted reckoning manner.

"Heh, yah, I'm sure you were" he muttered "Look hun, you remember I promised to check those amazing… eeeer earmuffs you've dreamed of!

"Ohhh! Yes?" she said with an undisguised giggle.

"And guess what, I was too busy to see them just yet, however I would feel guilty if I went home without them."

"Aw, you have always been such a gentleman!" she laughed.

"Yah, that's me. I'm planning to go to the Central Market in the evening around 7:00 pm." he said forming the words as clearly as possible "And once I'm there, I'd also check some other things worth to grab for the birthday party… Bekenstein produces some really exclusive beverages I heard of. I got to dig them up, so I might stay an extra day at the hotel maybe?"

"…Of course Kevin. Stay as long as you need" she sounded more serious than she probably wanted, because in the next moment her voice was back to her previous jingly tone "I… I make the preparations in the meantime. My brother just can't wait to come!... Yeah.

"Hope everything is okay on your end. Any news about grandpa?"

"He's still fishing; no catches. I'll let you know if there is something."

"Okay" he nodded a few times as if he was sinking into some deep thoughts, while patting his fingers in row on the streamlined back of the bench "Tell the old fart the drinks are on him once I'm back home." Kevin said quite assertively, which found the female somewhat off-guard as she giggled self-consciously in return "Well, take care."

"Hang on!..." she called out and Kevin halted his move towards the dismiss button; then she continued shortly "Is the weather nice?" this time there was a definite concern in her voice.

"Yeah, yeah pretty much, no worries! It's charming" he answered, but only the expecting silence of a faint breath came back through the line "Sarah, it's all right; just like at home! Only sunnier." he added as he made sure his voice was doubtlessly assuring and confident this time.

"…All right!" came the short reply "I don't want you get sunburns, stay in the shadows!"

"Jahvol, my lady! See you soon!"

"See ya Kevin!" the woman concluded the conversation and hung up in a few seconds.

"Love you…"

And there you go, loser. He looked up.

Kevin hardly suppressed the smirk in the corner of his mouth as he glanced at the man sitting on the bench in front of him, who glimpsed in the other direction immediately as their eyes met: seemingly doing nothing in particular apart from idling with his right foot tapping hectically on the fine gravels of the park's pathway. Having the upper hand, Kevin leant back, taking a deep breath looking around the park, regarding the few people passing by just to shortly arrive at the man's face again; in a moment he looked back at him. The fleeting few seconds told everything about the man's frustration; his expression was like a beacon messaging his anger over his presumed failure of being noticed, and probably for being reckless; ground between blaming himself and his target for his embarrassing position.

Kevin knew the feeling. It wasn't a situation that was inherently lost from the perspective of the surveillant, as long as he could control his behaviour; but the man completely lost it: he was either barely experienced, or a total amateur. He might have been working for some crime lords, or maybe for Kingsley himself. These thoughts ran over Kevin's head as he lightly reached into his breast-pocket and put on his shades, which now covered his eyes entirely. That was the moment when the person opposite finally stood up and strode away at speed towards the middle of the park. Kevin followed suit in a comfortable pace, after all he was heading that way anyway.

In the middle of the roundabout, at the junction of the main pathways of the park stood the gigantic, silvery statue of the Nephilim. The biblical figure stood wings spread out, protectively providing shelter to an adult human female standing behind a teenage boy, who was holding a huge shield in one hand and a sword in the other firmly. Whenever walking this way, Kevin couldn't pass it without musing on its meaning; thus it was an effective piece of art for sure – he thought. But this time he wasn't gazing at the immense monument for the visual pleasure or to weave long philosophical thoughts; he was much rather interested in the fine-polished shield of the boy, which like an oversized traffic mirror, neatly reflected everything behind and around him.

By the time he suddenly stopped in his tracks before the giant composition he has already counted eight persons coming behind him, and ruled out three of them who seemed to be a couple with their kid –assessing that they were unlikely being part of his escort –. Now he quickly reviewed the remaining five from the mirror image, finding that one of them rashly slowed his speed from a light walk to a mere saunter. From that distance the man still hasn't noticed how the reflection gave him away, and kept staring at his target from behind, but Kevin was already looking for a forerunner - if they were doing it good.

He found his heartbeat returned to normal. The excitement was mild and finally his moves started to come from routine. He padded across the park, passing a little group of children playing with a varren. The beast was popular and wide spread across many worlds – they used it as trained "dogs", for illegal fighting, hunting, military purposes and some even served it as delicacy; although its fashion was catching on slowly with humans. People still preferred their own Earth-bred dogs, and Kevin shared this thought that if he wanted to keep a dog, he would go with the original concept of the word.

The next moment the varren opened its enormous mouth, flashing its menacing fangs as it energetically leaped at a small girl holding the retrieving ball. Kevin froze as a chilling shiver crept up his spine to the top of his head in the wake of the high pitched scream of the girl … just to see her the next second giggling while lying on her back as the varren was playfully licking her face.

Yeah... cute and fluffy things are the way to go; definitely; that or my heart. He made the mental note as he sighed in relief.

Kevin eventually reached the entrance of the City-Train station. With a pre-paid weekly pass on his account his omni-tool merely flashed a light when he crossed the gate and strode to one end of the platform. It was not rush hour; however the City-Train still proved to be a popular way of travel in the afternoon at this part of the city. The crowd of passengers was swirling closer to the safety line glowing red along the side of the platform. The waking breeze, gradually growing into a fierce wind heralded the arrival of the train. The vehicle was electromagnetically hinged on a rail running above, yet it gained its stability from the mass effect field emitters glowing and sparkling blue on the underside of the wagons. The blinding white paint of the carts was in tune with the white and brushed steel interiors of the station, providing an utterly utopistic sight to the eye. Kevin felt it almost mesmerizing. The city spent fortunes on keeping the streets and public places clean, and definitely that money found its place.

The doors slid open and the glowing red line on the floor flashed three times before changing to blue; as if shackles were cut, the passengers whirled on board, taking seats. Kevin was demurely standing aside, letting everybody board the train until the Virtual Intelligence controlling the City-Train network warned to clear the closing doors. Kevin looked down the platform to see as three more people was hopping on in the last second and only one of them whiling hesitantly, throwing a doubtful glance in his direction. The line flashed three times and changed to red. The man looked around nonplussed and in the last second hopped on the train. Kevin stepped away from the doors and nonchalantly leant against one of the robust columns supporting the transparent roof above the lounge. And that makes it three.

Room 1916, Hotel Harrington, Milgrom, Bekenstein [Boltzmann System – Serpent Nebula] – 22:15 LT – 2182.11.07 CE

Flowing green and blue lights were playing on the wall with the abstract forms of a painting hanging above the double bed. Half-open venetian blinds drew bars of confinement onto them with no avail. The low humming of the air conditioner and the faint resonance of the throbbing bass, coming from the roof of the hotel, which hosted an enormous party, established the background for Kevin's thoughts as he ruminated over the day:

Soon after the train left without him, the second man he spotted earlier arrived at the platform. The man was still unaware that his cover was blown, and Kevin decided to leave him at his belief. He accommodatingly let the man follow, as he got on the next train and headed right back to the Harrington hotel where his room was. He had become pretty certain that one more guy belonged to the group, which was trying to track him down, and two other men about whom he was not entirely sure. However he established two important things: they were either too few in their numbers for the task, or they grew distinctly overconfident; Kevin could not find any other explanations why the two, already burnt guys returned, even if keeping a significant distance from then on. And secondly he finally knew most the crew working on him. This left him with minimal uncertainties that felt quite comforting on one hand, but with their motivation still unknown, he would have passed the treat gladly.

When he arrived at the hotel he knew that two of the trackers came in after him, but he showed no sign of his awareness; instead he bespoke the receptionist aloud, like they were old friends and in a chatty manner revealed his schedule for the rest of the day: he was going to take a rest in his room, then visit Central Market for some business by 19:00 and return to see the rooftop party at night. "That is a brilliant choice Mr Bell! I would also recommend the Zero Hour programme just before the main event. It is going to be an imitational beach party on the wellness level at the pools." Kevin acknowledged the suggestion with a thankful smile. "And here you are, sir: Room 1910! If you need anything else, sir, just let me know." the receptionist said as he imparted the key card to him.

"Will do" and with that he strode to the elevator to reach his room as soon as possible.

With his back against the comfortably adaptable mattress of the bed, he hugged his HK-made Kessler handgun closer to his chest as his index finger slowly grazed back and forth over the scraggy surface of the safety switch. He casted an eye sideways at the bedside table: his backpack was lying there with its mouth open. In the poor lighting he could still take out the silhouettes of the shiny metal framed glasses; as much as it was a sudden idea, he did not repent buying some local specialities at all; He even had the chance to taste some liquors and whiskeys, and well, they were intriguing to make him buy!

He spent plenty of time at the Central Market. It was amazing how many delicacies and luxury items were put on the show for the customers, who poured in from all around the galaxy. And well, considering his relatively short service record, most of which spent Earth-bound, Kevin did find their proximity rather… alien. He tried to grasp the sensation in an attempt to understand the unsettling feeling in him. What was this excitement about? Was it fear, angst or curiosity? Or all of these? He subconsciously kept his distance from them. He noticed that when his way led beside a group of asari strolling down one of the countless alleys in the Market, and a sudden wave of discomfort overwhelmed him for a brief moment when he realized that his legs would have rather taken him autonomously the longer way around, than passing too close to the little group of bluish skinned beings. He hated few things more than when his actions were determined by visceral reactions; felt like his life being hijacked by his own body – and he could not let that be!

He passed them within the reach of an arm, regarding them with maybe more than what he hoped being a transient glimpse. He heard a lot about the asari, described as the most attractive species of the known Milky Way; and the most influential at that. The thought triggered his caution and shot his hairs on his arms straight up when one of them glanced back at him. The strange, streamlined, tentacle-like skin-folds on their skulls looked almost tolerable – one could have imagined them as props from an old Star Trek movie, applied on a human actress – but where the folds met their membrane-like ear canals, the different underlying structure of their head became obvious, and definitely unsettling; let alone their ridged backside of their neck. But what was new to him and lingered to haunt his thoughts, were the eyes of this asari his glimpse just met – before he quickly turned away: they were so deep, so familiar, yet so distant! He could see the well-known spark of intelligence at an odd contradiction with the subtle distinctness from the human look. The antithesis of which used to be possibly only one thing: animal.

Kevin wandered on with sojourning and conflicting feelings in the immense spaces of the Central Market, but the vivacious atmosphere of the place drew him in soon again. Given located in the city centre it was the face of all what Bekenstein had to offer. The main level was occupied by the most prominent companies and manufacturers, but the several storey building housed thousands of shops and stands for smaller ventures, too - located at higher or lower levels respectively. Intertwined with escalators and elevators, and with the cleverly lit massive concrete beams running across the structure gave the impression of a monumental glass hive from a distance, especially at night.

He wondered if those colourful lights on the wall were actually coming from the Central Market. As he turned his head the other direction, his vision was party obscured by a tuft of dark, ruffled hair. Kevin winced and blew the stripe away from his nose.

The woman was lying still, eyes shut; her face was pale and her lips slightly apart with smeared rouge tracing down her chin and smudged in patches around her mouth. Kevin switched the safety lever and the light on the side of the Kessler consequently turned red. Sitting up and turning around on the bed he hooked his arms below her armpits and dragged the young woman's body up onto the pillow and covered her figure with the thin blanket, when his omni-tool's interface suddenly manifested around his arm, startling him for a moment. He looked at the flashing text "Detector Front Door: Intrusion Alert".

As soon as he got back to his room he closed the shutters and dashed to his backpack in the wardrobe. He dug his finger between the seams along the side of the bottom padding and zipped it open. The hidden compartment was holding small black and transparent plastic boxes and wires; there was no scripts written on them except some simple engraved markings of their orientation and barely visible orifices on them.

Kevin threw the contents of the bag on the double bed. His hands worked with haste, but trained efficiency. The small parts were soon assembled and placed around the room; time by time he stopped by the room's haptic console to check on the door's peep monitor.

He came with two bags. Actually one of them was a bigger luggage that now lied open at the side of his bed. He carefully slid his travel documents in its side pocket along with his company brochures and some Earth magazines. There was also his datapad that he casually dropped on the middle of the bed with the blanket wrinkled to the side. When everything was in place, he reached inside his other bag and detached a Hahne-Kedar handgun from its inside fastener. The Kessler was small in its compact form, and neatly fit in his grip. As he grabbed it though, the gun came alive and through the series of quickly shifting panels and components it assumed its real, larger form in his hand.

"Okay, let's see: integrity – check, eezo – check, heat-sink – check, ammo – check!"

He collapsed the Kessler and attached it back on the holster inside the bag. On his way out he dropped by the front desk and caught up with the concierge. "Ahm, excuse me, there would be a thing" Kevin drew him aside.

"I do not want my room cleaned or any maintenance what so ever until tomorrow evening".

"Sir, we have strict regulations due to the possible allergic react… of other… species" his voice petered out as Kevin continued.

"I am sure, we can find a solution." Kevin put in firmly, staring at the white haired man, who froze in his speak and shot a glance to the right, breaking the connection between their eyes.

"Sir, if it was on Earth I might be able to bend the rules, but we are…"

"Let's pretend we are on Earth. I just need some extra privacy. And I am not lying together with asthmatic aliens or whatever. Promise. That blanket will be fine for one more day." Kevin was not sure if his words were convincing enough, or if he could play around to eventually gain the man's sympathy, but the generous tip he slid onto the table emphasised his words enough. The man took the credits…

In the dark his finger ran over the safety lever again. A silent, rising-pitch hoot and the indicator light turning blue warned that the gun was armed. Sliding up against the wall, he pressed on the faintly glowing haptic interface of the peep camera to see it was clear outside. But in the very next moment the click and hiss of the pneumatic door came to his ears. His muscles stiffened, and the only thing he could hear was his own heartbeat. He swiftly turned around the corner, pointing the gun towards the door out of memory to gain time.

"We are in." the stranger's voice whispered in his ears.

"Damn it." Kevin shook his head taking a deep breath as he realized the voices were coming through his omni-tool's implanted vocal emulation module directly linked to the auditory nerves close to his ears. Uptight, he jumped back at the peep monitor to make absolutely sure the door was clear. Seeing no movement, he finally relaxed a little. He sauntered back to the bed, pushing the woman's bare leg aside, and sat back on the edge of the mattress, listening to the voices.

Within an hour the transmission went silent. There was nothing but static noise sizzling in his head. The detectors were all green, not picking up any movement for the last half an hour. He decidedly did not want to catch them in the act, so he kept the transmission live; he systematically collected his items from the room and rose the almost empty bottle of the fine Bekenstein Torchwood brandy to his mouth to take a last sip before putting it back in his pack.

"I'm sorry it had to end like this girl, but it's my time to return to my residency" he pressed the words out between his teeth through a smirk. He yanked his shirt's collar and looked down at the female body lying in a twisted pose without the slightest mark of grace on her disfigured expression. He shook his head as turned around; his lowered voice was almost lost in the hiss of the closing door "Servus, my dear!"