Unseen: Mass Effect FanFiction (ReWritten)

Chapter 20

"Mina," Solana said, her mandibles flicking in what she'd come to recognize as a turian smile. "I'm so happy to see you."

Solana pulled her in for a hug.

"Aster," she said more softly in her ear. "I'm glad you're safe."

"Solana," Aster greeted, stepping back. "Long time no see."

"How long are you planning on being on the Citadel?" Solana asked.

"I'm not sure yet," Aster admitted. "I just landed. I'm hoping to explore the Citadel a bit."

"Do you have a place to stay?" She asked, concerned.

"Just planning on renting a room," She replied, almost embarrassed.

"No," Solana said firmly. "I have an empty bed you can use until you know what you're doing."

"Give me that," Solana continued as she grabbed Shepard's bag from her hands. "No friend of mine will rent a room. I have an empty bed you can take and stay as long as you need to."

"Alright," Aster said, unable to resist. "Lead the way."

"See, that wasn't so bad," SAM commented as Aster followed Solana to a transport. "You two get along just fine."

"It's not fair to her," Aster argued, still angry.

"Here I'll show you how good a friend she is."

While the transport took them to their destination, Aster sat in silence as SAM showed her the multiple conversations that took place between Solana and SAM behind her back. By the time they arrived at their destination, Aster definitely considered Solana to be her best friend.

Solana had been nothing but supportive of Aster's decision to leave and get surgery. They even talked about boys and other things women talked about; something she wouldn't normally do.

"How was the trip?" Solana asked, breaking the silence.

"Not bad," She replied. "I didn't realize so many people traveled so early in the morning."

"Yeah, usually the transports are empty, but it's the Turian New Year coming up soon," she replied as the transport passed into the turian living quarters on the Citadel. "Since the turians are part of the Council, the Citadel throws a huge event to celebrate. They do the same with the Salarians and Asari."

"I had forgotten about that," Aster said. She remembered seeing a commercial on Junhix about it. "It's about a week from today."

"Yes," Solana replied excitedly. "The clinic I work at is giving us the week off to celebrate...and since you're here, I figured we can celebrate together."

"I'm not much for tradition," Aster warned her. "Humans and turians are still a bit unfamiliar..."

"The Citadel has changed since then," Solana explained. "I've seen a lot more intimate relationships between the two...and...you are part turian...with those implants..."

"I guess you're right," Aster said, smiling. "I think I can manage a celebration or two."

"Great!" Solana said, almost jumping up from her seat. "I have so much we can do together."

"I can't wait," Aster replied. "I can use the distraction."

"We're here," Solana said as the transport made a stop in front of a fancy-looking building. "Come on."

Aster grabbed her bag and followed Solana out of the transport and into the building. There was an asari manning the front desk and greeted them as they entered.