FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Never had Remus slept so well in his life.

His back was killing him, he could feel the musty omega's breeze against his back... But hugging his father's belly was so good. He was weightless and so relaxed while lulled by Kror's snores.

The bedroom was akin to Remus's: dirty, with clothes left here and there. The air reeked with Krogan sweat, the bed was undone, and the Turian was sure that desk wasn't askew yesterday. But what mattered was the mattress that had scarcely enough room for him to lay beside his Dad and hug his massive body when possible. Now, his spindly arms were sprawled over those guts. Beneath, he sensed the multiple heartbeats as well as the intense warmth emanating from that man.

It was like hugging a hot water bottle, less soft and more rigid. But just perfect for the Turian who tangled his legs around his Dad's and wanted to stay here forever.

All despite the artificial light flaring up to announce the working hours. That, and the screams of sky cars as people left their habitations in a hurry to join their shifts. However... Nobody in the room had to do so. Remus just... Enjoyed that instant while nuzzling his head against that belly, rubbing it... And closed his eyes.

For how long? He could not tell. Sadly, as his Father's form moved and rumbles escaped from that belly, so did the Turian stir. The bigger alien shifted, then rolled, finally grumbled. Until a hand reached behind Remus's head and scratched his crest.

""Morning... Sleepyhead," rambled Kror. His sonorous voice filled the room and Remus' lungs. But the young Turian wasn't sleepy.

"Heh, wrong. I'm wide awake."

A grin plastered on his face, the son scrambled closer to his father's head. Those red eyes were magnificent, muck like that red crest. And above those, Remus felt the need to grab those cheeks, pull on the lips with one finger.

"Hehe," he laughed while giving in to that need. Gone was the romantic meeting as he pulled on his Father's lips to tease him. But the Krogan indulged in that moment, and his heavy form shook from a stifled laugh. One ending with an arm slid around Remus's hips.

"Kiss me now. 'Cause I need a shower."

Remus expired, inhaled... And growled, leaving those lips alone.

"Hmm, shower first. And clean your teeth, you have a terrible cum breath," said Remus as he tried to squeeze himself out of the embrace. Only for his Father to keep him close and cover his neck with kisses, slobbering all over the scales. Much to the Turian's dismay and to the Krogan's hilarity.

"Now, you'll smell like your old dad!" joked Kror in hilarity. But soon, both stopped their struggle: the arms relaxed, and the entangle released as both looked around them...

"I'll make coffee, go get your shower and brush your teeth. Or else."

"Or else what?" asked Kror... Before he witnessed his son's sideways grin, those raised brows... And that uppity attitude of his, whenever he had a bad idea in mind. A sufficient deterrent for the Krogan to move and slip outside the comfort of the soppy bed.

"Fine, but it's up to you to handle the living room."

"What?! Wait!"

But here, Kror had already escaped. His heavy body could be swift, and Remus was fine watching that wagging tail, above that cum-coated ass, disappear behind a corner. Until Remus found himself all alone in his Dad's room.

A few-years younger Remus would have deemed it to be paradise... His habit of stashing porn beneath his bed didn't come from his Turian father, too. But now that he had tasted the real deal, he wasn't into fapping while sniffing his dad's brief.

Although... The price for it was... Kinda heavy. One he was reminded of when standing up and hearing his back crack. He had pulled a muscle, another, yesterday and it killed him. Less than the first time, but still ruining his morning. He was even feeling new muscles he was developing just from fucking Kror, what a delight. A thorough "training" any gym rat could envy.

Much like yesterday's training, when he and Kror finally agreed on something. Which ended with the living room looking like a battleground filled with toys and lube bottles. He didn't look at them more, instead focusing on the coffee pot and starting a brew.

But as he filled the pot with water, he couldn't stop glancing at the oversized ball gag on the counter. The red thing was caked with spit; its size so big he couldn't fit in his mouth. In fact, Remus would have dislocated his jaw before stuffing it inside. Yet... He questioned himself with Kror wanted to use it so much yesterday.

He opened his mouth, picked up the ball. And stopped before he had to explain to Nana or any clinic worker how he broke his jaw.

All the district would make him the butt of every joke.

Instead, he kept it away and leaned against the counter... Ballgag in hand, the other checking his wrist-mounted omnitool. The small computer was usually silent. But today, it had been swarmed with messages hailing from the same interlocutor.

Velius Aventus. A supposed guy working for the Turian homeworld, Palaven, and he was a weirdo.

Moreso after Remus sent him his father's bloodwork and a... Video they made yesterday. Truly, they had drunk a bit, and he couldn't remember the line of thoughts ending with the recording. But he and Kror laughed like two idiots... However, he didn't have any hangovers. Which was weird.

Skimming through the tidal waves of one-word messages, the young turian checked for anything interesting... Three requests for a meet-up alone, two with Kror, one with another Krogan, one with the vials of "Genophage cure" that still slept in Remus' fridge.

Aaaand...

"You're checking for his answer?"

"His answers, plural."

Still steaming from his thorough shower, Kror only kept a towel to cover his decency, an oddity in this apartment... As for Remus, naked as he was, he had no issue showing around his massive leathery testicles or the slit that housed his cock... Though, should he continue his observation of Kror's budding tits and round belly, his dick would not be housed for long.

"Heh... What's his reaction?" asked the Krogan as he served himself a mug.

"Confused. I read five messages where he calls you hot and three an incestual pervert. I should set you both together."

"Heh. Sorry, but that ass is already taken by someone."

"So corny."

Rather than keeping his eyes on his Dad and risking puncturing his non-existent pants, the young Turian scoured the pantry for a juice pack. And began to empty it while continuing his reading.

"He's already looking to set up payment, he says. It's the first time-" began Remus. Only to notice his fingers shaking. How long had he been trembling like this?

He growled and clenched his fist. Then, continued: "It's the first time he has a willing Krogan test subject. Or one who shows so many positive results... Should we be afraid?"

To that, Kror scowled. Down at the omnitool, at Remus's hands.

"Dunno. But we can't do shit. Remind me to check on Targ next sale with the Blood Pack. If he got the full bottle, he will be a mess."

"Nah. The Ryncol has probably burned all the stuff. You can kill a vorcha with it."

To answer that bravado, Kror lifted the coffee pot and tapped the top of Remus's head, hitting the crest. Not enough to hurt, but to convey what he felt. That and his exhalation.

"Keep going, and you'll have to explain why he wants to perforate any furniture with his dick."

"Or impale his ass on his rifle."

"Remus..."

"Why? Imagine that long cannon, waiting all its existence for something like this! And the sex-app- Ouch. Got it."

That time, the coffee pot had clanged loudly before the old Krogan put it back... And turned away from his son.

"Any plan for the day?"

"I'll take the car for a ride and look for some clients. I need money on the side."

To that remark, Kror looked above his shoulder with a wince. He wasn't scowling or judging, but that old man knew... And Remus was no longer hiding as good the signs of withdrawal. Kror noticed them. But the young Turian was feeling disingenuous to hide them. Especially now.

"I'll buy groceries on the way back tonight."

Remus clenched his throat at the affirmation, putting the ball gag away before moving to the laundry room. His clothes had been cleaned off and that time, he could feel how soft was the fabric against his scales. Despite the rigidity, chaffing happened more often than he'd liked to, and had to wear baggy clothes. Well, he had to thank Kror on the way.

Once his attire picked and a shower taken, the young Turian was prime and proper to leave the apartment... Surrounded by his father's music blaring from the workshop. Thanks will wait.

In the stairs, each step was marked by the song's scansion and growls from the singer, a human whose throat had surely burned during the recording. As the music disappeared behind him, Remus stepped outside the building to look up. And admired the Omega's skyline above... Then the market on his right.

It was the weekend, therefore, the place bustled with customers and sellers alike, much of the latter displayed their merchandise on spread-out dirty linen. Most of the time, it was used junk from wealthier districts or stuff they scooped from an open cargo to the colonies. Rarely were they hand-made trinkets, but artisans existed on Omega.

"Hey, Remus! Remus! Ground to Moon, someone's calling you!"

His eyes drawn onto small golden rings, obviously fake, Remus barely noticed how close he was to a certain stand. And nearly snapped his neck when he turned to the source of those calls.

Avay, the greasemonkey. The motherly Asari was there, leaning over her counter, mostly left alone except for a few intrigued passersby or old friends.

"Hey, you almost missed me and not giving me a sign. Is everything alright?"

"Hmm... Yeah."

There, gloved fingers extended to the Turian's face and snapped.

In one instant, his iris contracted. Then dilated as he focused on the old woman and her sour expression.

"Damn, kid. You're drunk or high? Please, just for the former."

"No! I'm okay!" he grumbled shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Is everything okay? Dad is good?"

"Oh, yes! He's doing great!" he suddenly answered, feeling blood rushing to his cheek.

"Ah. Strange."

"Strange?"

"Legius told me about your Dad not doing fine, and you had to do one of his errands. It's been like five days since he ordered some scrap. Are you sure he's fine?"

"He had been sick, but he's managing it."

"Sick to the point of not working?"

"Ah, you know how he is. Forgetful and always focused on his craft."

Remus shrugged, but he got, for some result, a scornful expression and crossed arms over her dirty gray apron.

"What?"

"Remus."

"What?"

"He's not forgetful. You are. In the last twenty years, I have never seen your Dad miss a pick-up... Or... Well, one or twice, but that's when you broke your arm in class."

"Hey, it was the tea-"

"Whatever," cut off the old lady as she raised a finger. "I don't know what you're hiding. Alas, I know he's alive."

To confirm this, she pointed with her chin toward the huge metallic outgrowth on the side of the condo... If you were beneath it, hearing Kror's music would be easy peasy.

"I don't want anything bad to happen to him, especially because of you."

Now, the finger was onto Remus, who raised both hands... Almost judged. What was this woman picking up? And why was she so aggressive?

"He's doing alright. He wasn't feeling it, but he has recovered, since."

"And that's why he went to the clinic? Nana told me, she's a nice girl. Tell me, Remus, is he really sick?"

"No! Yes! I can't tell you, I'm no doctor. But I'm sure he will surely be fine. I don't know!"

Arm raised, backing, the Turian almost hit someone. So he stayed close to Avay, who looked at him with those curious eyes blue eyes.

"Have you done something to him?"

"No! He did it himself! Well, it is his action. I swear!"

She sighed.

"I believe you," she stated with a frustrated expression while shaking her head. "I'm sorry. The last days have been tense, and I worry about your Dad."

Now, Remus's shoulders lowered as he attempted to smile.

"Do not worry, he is... There is something, but he's back working. You should get some orders."

"Hrmphh. Good. Because he's one of my regular customers... He and Legius. But that sly dog," she said, flailing her finger on the left, toward an alley. "He's just doing it to get my attention. He throws them in another district, so I don't notice it."

"And it works?"

"No, I always find those scraps back, and he buys them out once more."

"I mean, your attention."

"Oh, he-," began Avay... Until she stopped, and a sly smile appeared on her face. Her gloved hands were on the counter. "You want some gossip? Or are you jealous of Legius? You want that old woman, Kid?"

"Ergh! No! Not at all! He has the hots for you, that's evident! He's a friend, and I could give him pointers. He's doing a lot."

Now, she had started to rub her chin...

"That's true, he's making efforts... He's awkward like all those proper Turians. Not like you, Remus."

"Heh!"

"That's a compliment," she retorted, looking toward the alley.

"But I don't see him abandoning the blue sun for a matron. He's a Turian, he loves his duty too much. 'Sure he's hugging his rifle in bed."

"You could convince him."

"He's not like you. His whole story is one of the proper little Turian until he arrived here... You know, it's hot."

"Avay. Seriously."

"A matron can dream. Next time you see him, you shouldn't talk sports during a date."

"What? You prefer him talking about his rifle?"

Avay's grimace was enough to steal a chuckle, along with a shrug from Remus as he remained there. And noticed some clients on the side before the Asari began to shoo him.

"Out! You're driving my customers away!"

"What? Legius has to talk about sports more?"

"Damnit, Remus! Out!"

"Okay, okay!" conceded the Turian while stepping away, but at a slow and deliberate pace.

"Tell your Dad to not forget me."

"I'll do!"

"And if I find any piece for your Elkoss, I'll send it your way!"

Now, Remus turned and offered the elderly Asari a grin before he ran off. Any further remark would then be drowned by the crowd surrounding Remus. His way led him across the market to his car... Before it was through the skyline he had to fly.

However... It ended up being a terrible day. As the artificial light dimmed, he knew he had barely scraped by.

A couple of Volus, an Elcor he had to refuse due to his size and to redirect towards one of the more adapted vehicles, and finally a Batarian whose twitchy fingers always danced around his side-arm. His eyes were normal, his arms rigid... That guy had been bad news. But he was surely a poor sod pursued by a Gang for something.

Those were more and more common lately, or perhaps it was Remus who noticed them more easily.

Either way, by the end of the day, he was back in his parking spot and sitting on his vehicle's trunk.

The leftovers of his lunch in hand, he looked up to the vehicles flying above the block... Like close stars flying by instead of a planet-based night sky.

Camions, cars, trucks. All rushing to get home or in time to their job, in an infinite queue whose sole order was self-imposed. Nothing stopped anyone from cutting ahead, but if you did so with a gang's car, your vehicle was good as dead.

Remus had learned from it when he discovered the best restaurant in Omega. A noodle restaurant near the Afterlife. Their sauce was deliciously spicy. And their meat had some bits of the real stuff.

"Hey, Pretty bird."

"Hey."

The sonorous voice didn't come from afar... And a side glance revealed the presence of Rahn. Krogan, green scales, brown eyes, small for his stature... And a dealer without any affiliation, but a bastard nonetheless. A man who looked at him with a weird grin.

"What? It hasn't been a week, yet," commented Remus before slurping another noddle.

"I know, but you're trembling. You already took the whole dose?"

A frown, a glance, and a muffled curse. Indeed, the Turian was again trembling though it wasn't his arms but legs that time. Shaking that stopped once he focused on them.

"So what? Don't tell me you're acting out of the goodness of your heart, Rahn. It's not your style."

The Krogan shrugged, dropping that grin while taking a few steps. And jumped to sit beside Remus on the Trunk. And a discrete hand produced a small pouch. Smaller than anything he had ever offered, but here it was.

"What is this?"

"What I can get you if we do it right now. My last setup was not at home, and I feel the need."

"You're missing out on what we had?"

So close, Remus could see the slight coloration from the Dust clinging to the plastic. He could almost feel the shaking stop and the rush going to his brain, the sensation of energy tingling the tip of his fingers.

But then, he looked up and saw Rahn turned away while shaking the pocket... And Remus stopped.

"Yeah. You've got a good jaw game, to be fair. You know how much Turians know how to suck?"

Now, the Turian did chuckle while he retracted his fingers.

"Yeah, not much. But you told me you didn't want anything emotional between us."

"I know it's a deal-breaker, pretty bird."

Finally, Remus released his fingers and pressed his palm against the pouch, pushing it again.

"You can take it back. I'll do without."

With a gruff, the Krogan put back the pocket inside his armor. For a moment, those large fingers fumbled, but then, he managed to put it inside... And exhaled.

"It's strange for you to see you abuse on the dust. Your training with the biotics? That's why?"

Leaning back, Remus threw the noddle box aside while placing an arm behind his head. It had been a while since they were the two on the car... But it was not the first time.

"No. A scuffle with a guy, but he got impressed by it. Really. I'm getting the hang of it."

"Hmphh." Rahn laughed an instant, then moved and grunted... Until his armored body was too leaning on the trunk, their crests almost touching. "You won't get an Amp on that dumb rock, Pretty bird."

What could Remus answer? Yes, he could? And perhaps leave that place? After all that time.

"And you? Have you tried looking for a female? Or something steady?"

That was always the issue with Rahn: always looking for more. Too greedy. Even as they had passed days on the observation decks, watching the stars from there. Here, the view was miserable with all the dust, the cars, and lights.

"Nope."

"You know I won't do anything with you."

"Yeah..."

"So... Why not look to settle?"

"Pretty Bird, I'm not here for guesses. What's on your mind?"

"I have found a way..."

Above them, a fender-bender occurred in a loud crash before the cars began their descent somewhere close. Probably not in a full-blown accident, their engines worked fine.

"For what? An Amp?"

Remus nodded, their crests hitting.

"What? Serious? You plan to join the Blue Sun or Eclipse?"

"No. I've met with a guy, a Turian. He's working for Palaven and got me into a nice deal. He's paying me, but my Dad is a test subject for a drug."

"And... You-"

"He did it to himself, he drank what I planned to sell before meeting with the guy. Strange tales."

"Dude. You're tangling with too much shit."

"Yeah. By chance, Kror has no issues. He's mighty fine, he says."

"... Tough situation, Pretty bird."

"Heh. Yeah."

Remus chuckled. But his voice fell flat. There was more to say, but divulging them was... Those words were almost out.

"What's the drug?"

"Suppose to be a cure for the Genophage."

"Hehehehe! Do you believe that shit? The Genophage won't be cured. And not on Omega. Remus, you're stupid."

By then, Remus stretched his arms.

"I said, suppose. My Dad isn't cured but. I don't know how to say... That guy, he's serious, and his stuff could work, I believe. So I have to keep an eye on Kror and get paid."

"Pfhh. That's just a scam. If I didn't hear about it, it's not legit."

"It is legit, that turian believes it."

Above them, the cars roared. Potentially a gang scuffle with the Blue Suns policing around.

And to his side, Rahn remained awfully silent.

"You really believe it's the deal? Right?" he finally asked.

"That's right. But it has to be fixed."

"More test subjects?"

"Kror is already the test subject."

"You won't cure that damn thing with one guy. And an old fart like him! We are done for."

Remus looked to the Krogan at his side. Rahn was glancing away before the Turian tapped his armored shoulder. It was frustrating to hear such a depressing tone from his ex.

"'Want me to drive you to your next setup? I have enough juice left."

"Thanks, Pretty Bird."

The following run was, in the end, short and uneventful. The guy also lived in the Fumi district, only a few blocks away. A twenty-minute walk turned into a two minutes drop-off was enough for Rahn to look somewhat more satisfied as he stayed by the car while Remus tapped on the dashboard.

But an idea came.

"Rahn. You know some guys around Omega? Even guys in the Afterlife?"

"Not many... I get a few drops for them. Why?" replied the Krogan, not even looking inside the vehicle, still outside and guarding.

"Could I ask for a favor?"

"Anything for you, Remus."

Remus' relieved sigh was quickly followed by a chuckle from Rahn... There was something possible to do. When the client appeared and Rahn left, Remus typed a message. Simple, fast. And flew to a place he had never been on his own before.

The "Belleza" would always remain an oddity for Remus. As much as he and his car were an oddity to the people passing by. Most corporates looked at him and his cheap piece of scrap with a frown, though nobody came to say a word. And the Eclipse mercenaries had something better to do than ousting him as he waited for his contact. And met with a very disheveled Turian, ivory skeleton and golden markings. His blue suit, impeccable, hadn't been buttoned up entirely while his mandibles clicked in anticipation. Or fear? Even his iris had reduced to slits from the stress. His nearing steps were uneven, unbefitting for a corporate. But Velius wasn't one, or not a normal one.

"Remus! I- I am here! What was so important for you to-"

Almost shouted the man, before the younger turian raised a hand. Then, pointed to the restaurant with his index.

"Let's discuss inside? I'd rather drink something before going on."

"Of course!" replied the older guy with his mandibles clicking with no end.

At last, the man got the hint. And they both stepped toward the entrance, instantly to be greeted. First by an Eclipse mercenary checking for any iron, just like two days ago, then by an Asari waitress with a moiré red robe this time. Her eyeing was quite heavy, especially on Remus and his low-grade clothes, but she still bowed and directed them to a table.

The young Turian wasn't a corporate, wasn't in a suit. He looked like one of the many kids living in Omega's streets. And yet, he was back in this place, surrounded by clean plates and clean furniture. No mining dust hanging around, and the air was somewhat breathable. It was an excellent place to dine out.

But nothing appealed to him as he glanced at the menu.

"What was so important you messaged me to come here?"

Velius asked, his mandibles still clicking with frustration. Damn, was he also clicking like that when angry? However, Remus had already decided on what to do and lowered the laminated paper.

"I wanted to have a proper drink," he stated with a deadpan expression, his eyes drawn to the fresh roses at the edge of their table.

But no quip came in the second. His mandibles clicked, those green eyes were transfixed and wide open in an abashed expression. Before he recovered his composure.

"Wait? You made me cross Omega on the dot for a drink?"

Remus nodded. Deadpan again, but messing with that guy. Because he wanted something out of him. Because he had made a mistake and had to correct it, somehow.

Velius was already acting hinky, his fingers nearly scrapping the table.

"No, that can't be. Nobody can't be that stupid. It- it's a trap, isn't it? Blink three times if it-"

Before Velius could ramble further, talons' hitting the marble tile interrupted him. And Remus handed her the menu back.

"I'll take a Lamastrus beer, your beef bourguignon, and a plum tart."

"Sir. The beef bourguignon is solely for clients with amino-based organisms. I sugg-"

"I know. Please, pack up the beef and the tart for the side."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. If it's possible."

The Asari grimaced, the same one with her judging glance and her pursed lips. Made it look like some chicken parts before she directed her narrow gaze at Velius.

"And you, sir?" she asked curtly.

"I will also take a Lamastrus beer... And today's special, dextro-based, please."

"Is that all?"

"Yes."

The pursed lips didn't vanish, but her eyes were back on the kitchen before she took off in that direction, leaving both behind.

There, the older Turian crossed his fingers.

"What do you want?"

"I think it is a nice gift to my Dad. Such fine cuisine will please him. And thank you for paying, again."

That time, the mandibles clicked like crazy, Velius' crest lifted in anger. Those green eyes were reduced to slit, and his claws almost stabbed the table.

"You... What are you doing?!"

He was entirely all over his head, good. Remus leaned back against the chair, admiring the customers around. The place was packed today, and waitresses had to run from one table to another, bad luck for them. But here, in the middle of that chaos, no one could hear them. Unless there was a microphone in the rose, but it looked a tad too far-fetched.

"I want to change the terms of our arrangement," he said, pointing at Velius.

"Wait? We had a deal!" hissed back the older Turian with his crest almost flung upward. But when some turned to him, he had no choice but to inhale and pass a quick hand on his crest to straighten it. Before he leaned over the table, hissing but lower: "We had a deal. This is what I thought when you sent your dad's bloodwork and... ... The... Video."

The last word, he had to regurgitate it. Spirits, was it too difficult for Velius to admit he liked it? Even his mandibles had stopped when he mentioned it.

On the other hand, Remus reclined with a chuffed grin. He would even have laughed at the fake corporate, but he wasn't such an ass. No, he let him marinate while the Asari arrived with two glasses and their beers, bottled. That was the fancy stuff she opened for them.

"Your empanada de Cordero will arrive soon," she said to Velius before she turned to Remus with a less condoning expression. "Our chief is working to make a packet for the beef and the tart, I will bring it to you once it is ready."

"Thank you for your effort. You can leave," dismissed the older Turian. Remus had no issue being judged, but from the spoken and harsh tone, those interventions were less than welcomed. And so the waitress took off, her robe dancing behind her.

"Say your price, so we get on and cancel it."

"Don't be too quick, you'll like my idea."

"I doubt it with your stunt. And if it concerns black-

"I want to change the deal, to have a bonus," cut Remus as he filled his glass. He then took his time to fill it, shutting down any attempt to speak back with a glance. All before he took a sip. And stopped.

"Done?"

"Yes, so... Are you ready to hear my idea?"

"... Keep talking."

"It happens there's another Krogan that has been exposed to the cure."

Instantly, Velius' eyes opened wide, and his jaw trembled. Good.

"For the moment, he hasn't died, so this is a positive result," continued Remus... He wasn't lying: he could not tell if Targ was alright or would wind up like his Dad. But if he happened to die, his father would have blown his omnitool by now. At worst, he would become another underwear sniffer.

"And I could be getting his information for you."

Satisfied, Remus smiled and tried to look convincing. Only to be met with Velius' glacial expression.

"You... used the cure again? There is only a small number of vials!"

"Which you can't use or transport outside Omega, right?" retorted Remus, extending his hand holding his filled glass. And Velius took the hint, toasting.

"You have a cure that has to be improved, plenty of vials that are freezing, literally, in my home. And you wanted to destroy them."

"Yes, but-"

"But... What if they found their way to some krogans with blood samples and check-ups attached? Wouldn't it be enough for a bonus?"

Now, Velius seemed calmer. And pensive.

"We had issues with recruiting krogans... Most would not believe us."

"Yes, it's difficult to get them on board. But I can do that."

"What is the catch?"

"Ten percent more per subject. And if you have more than three subjects, you stop focusing on my Father."

"Why? If he's the one who reacted the best to the formula, we have to-"

"There could be others. Focus on them. Hide him from the data, I don't know. If I manage it, you won't need him more than necessary."

"I do not want to doubt your integrity, but the price is..."

Velius mandibles clicked... Anticipation? Doubt?

Remus frowned, taking a chug of the beer as he watched the Asari arrive with a plate with two empanadas with some salad. Nothing fancy, but it smelled good, and she was quick to disappear this time.

"Or if you prefer, we can keep our current arrangement. But I understand you. I won't send any more videos."

"Do- Do not act foolish."

"Well, there's no other way. I can't force on you that change. And even if I was fair with those ten percent, I know why such step-"

"Stop this."

The older Turian grumbled, his eyes fixated on his plate. His meal was hot and ready, but he seemed not keen on digging in. In the meantime, the Asari arrived with a small plastic box she placed on the table while giving both her clients the stink-eye... Not that Remus cared.

"Accept it. I have contact with the blood pack and the afterlife. I could do without it being traced back to you."

The mandibles clicked, the head swayed left and right. But then, he relented.

"Fine. But no more changes. And I want to be warned two days before a meeting."

"That's more than what you gave me first, but okay."

Remus directly emptied his glass... And sighed before he pushed on his chair and stood before the other turian.

"Wait! Are you going?"

"Of course."

With that chuffed grin, Remus patted the small plastic box and lifted it.

"It's so kind of you to pay for our meetings, I'll see forward to the next."

And without further ado, he strode. With firm steps, lowered brows, the small pack in hand. His stance was to be rigid if he didn't want to be interrupted: feet separated and chest up. And...

Nobody dared to stop him, and even the recrimination of Velius fell short as he passed through the main door before the two Eclipse guards, walked through the parking toward his car...

Only then, in the comfortable cabin, did he exhale... And relax. And crumble, holding his head with one hand while the other quickly turned the engine on along with the self-driving computer.

It was stupid. A bluff, stupidity. He was heaving like a beast, clutching his head. What was he thinking trying to wrestle a bonus with that guy? If that man felt wronged, he could kill him!

And... And he just went through it, through the motion.

All for... ... He couldn't even say why. He wasn't even certain that Targ would be alright, how he would get the blood samples, if Rahn's favor would get him in the Afterlife. But he had promised it. No, promised other subjects, more.

All for more credits, for ten percent more. That was so low! Ridiculously low! And that promise about his dad, Velius would never honor it... But.

Remus exhaled and inhaled.

Nobody followed him, no car particularly appeared on the monitors as he cruised through the tunnels. From caverns to variegated skylines, in a chaos of neon lights and obstructed passageways. Was it all he could have?

He was so stupid. His beating heart calmed, his breath was more than a wheeze. And he turned to the plastic box. He hadn't opened it to check the content, but its pungent smell gave it away. Perhaps it smelt nice to an amino like Kror. And... His dad deserved it after putting up with such an idiot of a son.

His breath returned to a whisper, to a faint whistle as the computer detected the Fumi district this time. It would be a smooth ride to the parking. For he who kept clutching his head.

The pain was almost gone... Almost as he left the car... His trudging steps dragged his body further while he clung to the box. As usual, the hustling market had been emptied when the night lights made their apparition. Most regulars had left their stands secured while the weekly sellers were packing their stuff in their vehicles or bags.

It was too late to buy groceries, like he had promised his dad. Even Avay had disappeared, surely back home with a certain turian in tow...

But as he looked for her, Remus noticed something.

A merchant whose stand had yet been packed. The old batarian was taking her sweet time to tidy up that slot... She gave Remus no heed as he leaned over to check the mat. And the two massive golden rings displayed on it.

"How many for those two?"