[ME] Enkindlmg Desires

[Lord Raa]

An idea I had some time ago, but have only recently gotten around to writing some of.


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Enkindling Desires


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Disclaim-me-do: If you see your mother this weekend, be sure to tell her: Satan.


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Arana Vasia was not happy.

The Citadel was a nice enough place to visit, but the Presidium was so boring. Sure, it nice that she didn’t feel like she had to take a shower after every encounter with a sleazy male, but it was all too quiet.

No, the Wards were a much better place to be, and as soon as she had finished her business with Barla Von, she’d head back there.

“Yes, Thessia-clan, the Shadow Broker is most pleased with your work,” the Volus said enthusiastically. Like all Volus, his speech was broken up by pauses for breath. “He wishes for you to consider a further contract.”

“I’m listening,” Arana nodded. The Shadow Broker paid well and the work he contracted out to her was rarely boring.

“Your voice print and DNA and will unlock this data-pad. That will provide you with the details of this contract,” Barla Von explained. “I do not know the details and I do not wish to change that fact. To do so would be to invite danger. I do not like danger.”

“Very well,” Arana shrugged. The Volus were good with paperwork and other boring but necessary things, but they lacked the spark of adventure that some of the other races had.

Like the humans.

“I’ll look at this in private and let you know how I get on.”

“Have a good day, Thessia-clan.”


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Taking a moment to relax in the Embassy Bar, Arana looked at the data-pad the Shadow Broker had prepared for her.

The target was a Turian mercenary in the Wards. It seems that he accidentally incinerated half of a shipment that the Shadow Broker had been planning to sell on to the Krogans.

Arana looked at the data-pad that the Volus had handed to her. Timonus Yaherik was a male Turian and his scars indicated that he was a veteran of many fights.

The Asari woman pondered why the Shadow Broker would want to pay her to deal with the Turian. There are countless others who’d be willing to do the job here on the Citadel. They’d be cheaper, too.

She read further into the mission brief and discovered the reason.

‘¬Having Timonus Yaherik dealt with by common hoodlums would not send the message that the Shadow Broker wishes. It would be investigated and likely ruled as a minor scuffle. The knowledge that an elite commando such as yourself would be dispatched to settle matters shows that if you cross the Shadow Broker, you will not live to regret your actions.¬’

Locking the electronic device, Arana placed it on her table and leaned back. ‘Must have been quite a valuable consignment... Still, it’s a lot of credits for a simple hit.’

Reaching for her drink, the Asari commando decided that she’d take the job.

It wasn’t like she hadn’t killed people before. Hell, her last mission had upped her body count by at least a dozen.

‘Those Batarians sure burn good,’ she smiled in reminiscence. “I’ll do it.”


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Hyreld was beginning to understand why his people didn’t like travelling off-world. First, travelling on a spaceship was uncomfortable.

The vibrations travelled through the hull and resonated in his brain cavity, preventing him from sleeping.

Then there was the expense – it had cost him most of his savings to pay for this trip to the Citadel. And he’d worked hard at his job for his uncle to get that money.

And now there were the suspicious looks he was getting from the C-Sec agents on customs.

“Are you here to preach about the Enkindlers?” a Turian asked, his mandibles twitching.

“This one is not. This one is here on a private matter,” Hyreld explained, handing over his travel documents.

“Well, everything seems to be in order,” the C-Sec officer conceded. “It’s just rare for a Hanar to come all this way from Kahje on his own.”

“It is a complicated matter,” Hyreld admitted. “One that requires this one’s personal presence.”

“Well, I won’t keep you any longer.”

“This one thanks you for your assistance.”

At last, the invertebrate was allowed to pass through C-Sec and into the Citadel proper. He glanced around and felt like he was making a big mistake. Sure, this was exciting, but there was something unsettling about having to use the levitation packs to move around in the dry air.

The dry air was another thing that made Hyreld question the merits of this journey. ‘This one wonders how it will be able to tolerate such conditions.’

The Hanar made his way through to an elevator with some other recent arrivals, but before he could select the Presidium as his destination, he found himself heading towards the Wards.

‘This is somewhat ironic,’ Hyreld mused as he was swept along by the crowd into one of the more lively parts of the Citadel. Even amongst the Hanar, Hyreld was considered a good swimmer. Had things been different, he would have considered a career as a professional athlete.

Instead, Hyreld was a junior clerk for his uncle, a member of the lower house of the Illuminated Primacy.

His uncle, Zamanir, had effectively raised him after Hyreld’s father had disappeared.

Finding himself away from the elevators, Hyreld decided to follow the posted directions to the Presidium. As he approached an alley that led away from the Wards, he started to feel a little nervous.

He had good reason to, as he neared the door, a blue-skinned humanoid lashed out at him with a blade.

Dodging the wild thrusts, Hyreld managed to subdue his assailant with small dose of his natural toxins. He looked on in surprise as the figure turned out to be an Asari.

Realising that it was rarely good to be standing near a body in an alleyway, the Hanar quickly left to continue his way over to his appointment with Barla Von.

But had he stayed a few seconds longer, he would have seen that he hadn’t injured the Asari.

Far from it.


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It had been reflex action that had caused Arana to lash out at the Hanar. Her latest contract for the Shadow Broker had not been as simple as she had hoped.

It seemed that Timonus Yaherik wasn’t just some random Turian mercenary, but he’d opened talks to join the famed Blue Suns.

And as such, several well armed Turians and Batarians had taken issue with her attempt to kill Yaherik.

Luckily, Arana had several centuries of combat experience to draw upon and she’d been able to eliminate all of them. It had been a good fight, too – one that had gotten her into a bit of a bloodlust.

So it was just unfortunate for the Hanar for him to float by when he did. A few minutes later and they would have passed by each other as if nothing was wrong.

At least, that’s how it would have gone had Arana not been taken by surprise by the jellyfish. She hadn’t fought a Hanar before, very few people had.

She had heard that they had powerful toxins that could kill, but what the commando was feeling after being stung wasn’t a typical reaction to being poisoned. Her hardsuit’s computer wasn’t telling her that she was bleeding internally or that her blood was thickening.

She could feel her arms and legs, so her nervous system was working.

Arana’s heart was racing and her breathing was shallow, but she’d experienced that sort of sensation before. Back when she’d found herself needing some company.

“Wait... did I just...?”

Dismissing it as a delusion brought on by bloodlust and fatigue, the commando rose to her feet to meet Barla Von to invest the bounty for her latest contract.


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Hyreld floated into the office marked “Barla Von.”

“This one is looking for Barla Von,” the Hanar spoke.

“Greetings, Kahje-clan, I’m Barla Von,” the Volus said cheerfully. “How can I assist you today?”

“This one believes that you have a message for this one. It is under the name, ‘Hyreld’.”

“Ah yes, this is for you, Kahje-clan,” Barla Von said as he handed over a small box. “I was asked to hold this for you.”

Hyreld took the box and opened it up. There was a data-pad, a control key and a credit chit. “This one is confused. What is this thing?”

“That is a control key for a ship, Kahje-clan.”

“But why would this one be given such a thing?”

“Maybe you should read the message?”

“This one apologises,” the Hanar replied before looking at the data-pad.

‘¬Hyreld,

This one apologises for being absent in your life. This one has had some unforeseen challenges to deal with and that has prevented this one from being a part of your life.

For too long, the Hanar have been too content to sit in our small territory while braver races play a larger role in galactic affairs. Even the Volus, who cannot live on most planets without special encounter suits play a larger role than the Hanar do. The humans, who only discovered the Mass Relays a few years ago have a greater presence in the galaxy than we do.

Because of that, this one feels that the Hanar must expand its territory and this one feels that you are the best to perform this task. However, this one understands that it is not a task that one can complete on one’s own, especially given the physiology of the Hanar.

If all has gone to plan, you will be reading this in the office of Barla Von on the Citadel before you have chosen your Soul Name. Next door should be a merchant.

Use the credit chit included in the box to purchase a mechanical mobility assistant from the merchant. Use this assistant to perform menial tasks that our bodies cannot complete.

Once you have your assistant, you should go to the docking area and find a ship called the Glass Hammer. Use this ship to explore the galaxy. Claim territory for the Illuminated Primacy. Discover the relics of the Enkindlers. Live the life of adventure.

Be brave, Hyreld, for this is dangerous, but if you do this, this one believes that you will be known as the one that expanded the influence of the Hanar far beyond its meagre ambitions.

Or you could go home back to Zamanir and forget ever being more than a footnote in the bureaucracy.

So, what will it be: swim among the stars or in the backwater of Kahje?

The choice is yours, son.

Harenis.¬’

Hyreld looked confused for a moment. This was a message from his father. His father – the Hanar who’d disappeared in mysterious circumstances soon after his birth.

The same Hanar who’d been accused of genetically tampering with his own offspring for unknown reasons.

That accusation of genetic tampering was what prevented Hyreld from becoming a professional athlete.

Hyreld had not received a message from Harenis since his fifth birthday. It was then that young Hanar had been told ‘You will stand our amongst our people. Your name will be remembered alongside Hanar like Oratys and Tapold.’

Oratys was the Hanar who discovered the Drell, while Tapold was the first Hanar to encounter the Citadel.

Barla Von was about to ask if he could help the Hanar when the door to his office opened and in stumbled Arana.

“You!” the Asari said, pointing at Hyreld. “What did you do to me?”

“This one apologises profusely for any injury this one might have caused, but this one requests that it is understood that this one was defending itself,” Hyreld said, begging for forgiveness.

“You didn’t really hurt me,” Arana replied. “But when you stung me, something weird happened to me.”

“This one apologies if its natural toxins caused an allergic reaction.”

“This wasn’t an allergic reaction,” the commando said, advancing on the Hanar. “It wasn’t poison, either.”

“This one does not know what else it could have been. This one has not have much experience with non-Kahje species,” Hyreld said, backing slowly away from the blue-skinned humanoid.

“Well, sting me again, so I can find out what it is!” Arana demanded as she cornered the jellyfish.

“But this one would be committing a crime. This one does not wish to harm anyone or anything.”

Arana grabbed one of Hyreld’s tentacles and rubbed it on her bare hand. Seconds later, everything went dark for her.

Barla Von rushed to assist the Asari. “Is everything alright, Thessia-clan?”

“I... By the goddess...”

“Are you hurt?” the Volus asked.

“Hurt? Nothing of the sort. I haven’t felt that good in a long, long time,” Arana smiled. “What’s your name, Hanar?”

“This one is known as Hyreld. This one did not intend for you to be injured or otherwise inconvenienced. This one begs for forgiveness.”

“Give me a sample of your toxin, Hyreld and I think we’ll call it even,” the Asari grinned.

“This one apologises profusely, both to you and Barla Von,” Hyreld said as he secreted a few drops of his toxin into an empty water container. “May the Enkindlers forgive this one’s actions.”


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Hyreld made his way to the merchant his father’s not mentioned. He was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a fellow Hanar who was running the Emporium. Floating up to the shopkeeper, he introduced himself.

“This one is surprised to see one as young as yourself on the Citadel, but this one is also glad that you are here. What can this one do for you, Hyreld?”

“This one is here to purchase a mechanical assistant on the advice of this one’s father.”

Delanynder “nodded” in understanding. He knew all about the trouble his people had interacting with a galaxy designed by beings with opposable thumbs.

“If this one may be so bold, what functions would be required for this mechanical assistant?”

Hyreld thought about things for a moment. He knew that he’d need someone to fetch and carry bulky items. But if he was to follow his father’s instructions, then he’d also need a mobile database of customs and protocols for alien cultures. It wouldn’t do for him to accidentally insult anyone he encountered.

The thought of bringing shame to the Hanar people made him shiver.

“This one will require a device that can act as bodyguard, translator and perform lifting and carrying,” the younger Hanar answered.

“A bodyguard?”

“This one will be exploring areas unfamiliar to Hanar.”

“Ah, this one understands. This one has three potentially suitable models in stock, all from Synthetic Insights. However, this one is obliged to mention that they are all premium models, and as such carry a substantial price tag.”

“This one understands. This one has a credit chit that it has not yet had the chance to check the value of. Please could this one do so here?”

“Of course,” Delanynder “nodded” by inclining his body. He checked the chit and flashed in surprise. “This one is pleased to tell you that you can afford to purchase all three models.”

“This one is curious as to which is the most highly specified unit that Delanynder has for sale.”

“That would be the EKN-DL3, a fine model. One that has been developed specifically for a Hanar’s needs. It is capable of lifting 800kg; it has been programmed with many combat protocols and has substantial kinetic barriers.

“It is the finest combat mech that a Hanar could hope for,” Delanynder opined of the tripod mech.

Hyreld looked at the image of the jet black combat mech. It was certainly intimidating, but it lacked sophistication. There was little doubt that should Hyreld find himself in a less savoury place than the Citadel, he would be glad for the EKN-DL3, but could it assist him in correctly observing cultural practices?

“This one is tempted, but this one wishes to see all of the models before making such a large purchase.”

“But of course, this one would do the same were this one making a similar purchase. The next two models are not as capable in combat, but they are less expensive. They are the GV2 and the TWL-42.”

The GV2 was modelled on the human form, making is more relatable.

“The GVs has a more sophisticated suite of sensors, however it is more susceptible to jamming signals. It is also less capable in combat with a reduced range of compatible weapons and weaker kinetic barriers.”

The GV2 was a shade of light blue that certainly didn’t make it blend into its surrounding in most combat situations, but it had three fingers and a thumb, one more than the EKN-DL3. That suggest it was a more dextrous model.

Hyreld asked to see the third model.

“The TWL-42 is the latest from the TWL line, meaning that it’s had the most revisions and refinements, but like GV2, its combat capabilities are considerably less than those of the EKN-DL3. Its sensor suite is less sophisticated than the GV2, but according to customers, it has a certain charm that the other models lack. They find it reassuring.”

Like the GV2, the TWL-42 was humanoid and had three fingers and a thumb on its hands. Synthetic Insights had give it a human-like face that was projected on the round front of its head, making it look like it was a man inside a spacesuit.

Thinking that it would be best if his assistants looked less like robots that were going to slaughter countless people, Hyreld discounted the EKN-DL3. “This one is sure that the EKN-DL3 is not suited to this one’s needs. However, it is not clear to this one which of the other two models would be.”

Delanynder could sense the indecision from the young Hanar. He had wanted Hyreld to purchase the most expensive model, as the profit margin on the EKN-DL3 was greater than the cost price of the GV2. But given that he youngster had decided against the premium model, perhaps he could shift the other two as a pair instead?

“This one does not wish to speak out of turn, but this one noticed that Hyreld’s credit chit has the value to purchase both the GV2 and the TWL-42 models. Perhaps if this one was to include a pistol for each model, a deal for both could be made?”

Hyreld considered that. Not only would it make the decision for him, but it would also give his uncle a measure of comfort knowing that he had two bodyguards rather than just one.

“This one believes that a deal has been made.”


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Arana Vasia was in the clinic in the Wards waiting for Doctor Michel to finish her analysis.

“Please, stop pacing. The computer will be finished in just a moment,” the French accented woman insisted. “You’ve been stung twice by this Hanar.”

“Sorry, I’m just a little on edge. I don’t feel like I’ve been poisoned, but I don’t know what the reaction I’ve had is.”

The computer bleeped, signalling it had completed its task.

Dr. Michel looked over the results. “Well, it’s not poisoning you. At least, not the tissue sample I took. However, I compared the sample of the toxin you gave me to the Council’s medical database and it doesn’t match their records.”

“I bet its effects don’t match their records, either,” Arana shrugged. “I’ve never felt like that before.”

“Yes, you said that you felt euphoric after you’d been stung. However, I’m concerned that this venom is having a narcotic effect on you. It could be addictive.”

“Doc, I’m seven hundred years old,” the commando said. “I’ve spent the last five centuries flying around the galaxy and I’ve never encountered anything like this before.”

“That’s one of the things that concerns me. If you are addicted to something that stimulates you in ways you’ve never seen before, what will happen if you go through withdrawal? What are the long term implications of exposure to this toxin on you?”

Arana sighed. “I... You’re right. Can you run an analysis on simulated tissue? If I’m going to be distracted by nervous tics or hallucinations, I need to know before I go into battle again.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” the doctor smiled reassuringly.


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Hyreld watched Delanynder activate his purchases.

“Greetings, this unit is a GV2 model. This unit’s operational parameters are to observe and advise on protocol,” the light blue mechanoid stated.

“How should this one refer to the GV2 unit?” Hyreld asked.

“This unit believes that its model designation can be phonetically pronounced as ‘Jeeves’ for convenience.”

“Then this one shall refer to this unit as ‘Jeeves’,” the young Hanar decided. “And what of the TWL-42?”

“This one is having difficulty powering up the TWL-42 unit,” the merchant admitted.

“Please, may this one be of assistance?” Jeeves asked. “This one can provide knowledge on a variety of Synthetic Insights products.”

Delanynder floated to one side, allowing Jeeves access to the inactive mech.

Moments later, the TWL-42 starts to come online.

“Boot sequence completed. Please enter proof of purchase code.”

Hyreld read out the ten character code.

“Code accepted. Please state name and species of owner.”

“Your owner is this one, Hyreld and this one’s species is Hanar.”

The face on the screen of TWL-42 changed to that of a Hanar, one that looked a lot like Hyreld. “This unit is now the property of Hyreld.”

“This one is not sure that it likes the appearance of TWL-42. It feels like this one is looking at a mirror. Please change it to the default Human image.”

“This unit will comply,” TWL-42 replied, changing the face to that of human with brown hair and brown eyes. “This unit will do all it can to reduce panic in its owner.”

“This one feels more comfortable already,” Hyreld said. “Does this TWL-42 unit have a phonetic name like the Jeeves model?”

TWL-42 paused for a moment. “This unit’s phonetic designation has not been specified. What would this unit’s owner prefer to refer to this unit as?”

“This unit does not wish to speak out of turn, but this unit believes that Towel would be suitable shorthand,” Jeeves said.

“This one cannot find a fault with that,” Hyreld conceded. “This one gives thanks to Delanynder for the assistance provided. Jeeves, Towel, this one wishes to go to the docks to investigate a ship.”

The young Hanar was followed by the two mechs to the docking area, leaving Delanynder to count his profits for the day.


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