A/N: Admittedly, this was a rather complicated chapter to write. Once again, I want to heartily thank Caracal22, who came back to beta for me even though her time commitments have shot up through the roof. If you aren't reading her 22 Sinchi, then you should stop right now and do that first; I promise bacon waits for you at the end! Okay, well maybe not...but you'll never now until you do it. ;-) But seriously, she's massive wicked tops, and I'm tremendously fortunate to have her willing to do such amazing work on my behalf. I can easily say without her, I might have given up on even trying this chapter.
I want to take a moment to talk about one character in particular: Diana Allers. The ever-controversial Diana Cho..er..sorry..Allers. I needed a rather...ruthless media figure to head up this part of the story, and Allers was the most likely candidate. If it seems I've taken significant liberties with her as a character, to the point where she comes off rather different from the person she is in ME3 well...that's because I have, more or less. Earning the AU in the story description, this time around. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy what I've done, regardless.
Oh! And I'm pretty jazzed to be writing the next chapter, as I finally get to have Liara and Shepard together again! Whew! I haven't done that in...weeks! Months even!
"'Reality' is the only word in the English language that should always be used in quotes."
Taking a drag from her electronic cigarette, and then letting the resultant vapor spill out from her red-painted lips a few seconds later, Diana Allers smiled to herself.
"I'm sorry Ms. Allers, what was that?"
She sat in her oversized, leather upholstered control chair, almost throne-like in its construction. Before her sat an impressive bank of computer consoles, display monitors, and holographic projectors. In many ways, it was similar to the Shadow Broker layout that Liara had used on the Normandy - indeed, that was where she got the initial idea - only in miniature.
Admiral Hackett was present, standing slightly behind her and looking over her shoulder at the same display that she was studying. The chamber they occupied was darkened, almost to the point where it seemed the entire universe was an empty void, short of the sole island of light, color and activity that bled out from the vast array of monitors.
"Something that my journalism professor always used to say, Admiral, although I believe he was quoting someone else." She took another drag, before turning around to the side, to more fully address him. "'There can never be two skies in the same world'...that was another one he liked to repeat."
Hackett hummed softly. "Now that one I'm not quite sure I catch the meaning of."
Recrossing her legs, she tilted her head, and thought for a moment. "It's like this: back when I was covering the War for Battlespace, reporting the truth was pretty cut and dried. I wanted to tell the story, buuuuut I had to tell...the best version I could get away with. There were elements of propaganda sometimes, sure, but I like to think that morale was kept up, while people got to the actual meat of what was going on. Shepard...being who she is, how she is...also did well enough, made that part of the job easy. And in that way, it was nice. Uncomplicated. Straightforward. Also, dull, but it was good work, all the same. 'Cause more or less, we were all on the same side."
She spun around, back to facing her console anew. "But this political bullshit that's playing out right now? This is red in tooth and claw. This is where we wage total media warfare. And you and I and the people on our side? We're trying to tell everyone that the sky is blue. Westerlund and others like them are trying to convince people it's red. In the end, it doesn't actually matter a damn what color the sky REALLY is; only that we convince people it's what how we need them to see it.
She paused, swapping out the cartridges in her vaporizer, before continuing.
"On top of that, we can't allow ourselves the luxury of "compromising" with the other side or "respecting their equally valid viewpoint" either. There ARE no other "equally valid viewpoints" in a battle like this, Admiral. Either the sky is blue, or you are a fucking moron who needs to change their mind. We destroy them in the battlefield of public trust and perception, or they crush us. No other way this ends."
She punctuated the end of her explanation with a fresh drag mumbling around the exhalation of nicotine-laden vapor "And thus: 'There can never be two skies in the same world.'"
Hackett clasped his hands behind his back and narrowed his eyes. "Well...sure seems you have a rather...jaded view and opinions of the Fourth Estate, Ms. Allers, all things considered. On the other hand, I can't say I disagree with any of it. And I'm beginning to see why you've been so effective in managing our...media strategy...as it were. The blows you've managed to strike against Westerlund with your current news program have been damn helpful, along with other social media campaigns that I'm told you're behind, even if that isn't publicly or officially acknowledged." He smiled for a moment, "I just hope that you appreciate the considerable strings I've had to pull to get you the resources that you currently enjoy, especially tonight."
She smirked, her reflection in the screens regarding Hackett "Yeah yeah, I get the message Admiral: Toys and Money Equals Expectation Of Solid Results. Trust me...with all this extra bandwidth you've secured for me tonight, and the experts I'm bringing in to help out? I'm expecting something fucking magical to happen. And speaking of which...!"
She punched a couple of buttons. "Sombra! Are you reading me?"
There was a pause, as a smaller green screen suddenly came to life to the right of Diana's main display, with the word "SOMBRA" and an old style oscilloscope effect playing across voice was male, with a warped, flanging effect: It was hard to tell if the person behind it was Drell or Turian, or if it was just purely a function of some sort of voice masking
"I'm here, Ms. Allers, and looking very forward to what reaction Shepard's imminent arrival brings."
Allers grinned "Cool. Hey Madame B, are you with us as well?"
To the left of the main display, a blue panel illuminated, with a similar visual display as it's twin on the right; only the label read "MADAME BUTTERFLY." The voice was female, but similarly distorted.
"I am indeed, Diana. And hello Steven, I believe I heard your voice back there as well."
"Do I know you, Ma'am?"
"That...would be telling, dear."
Diana rubbed her hands together gleefully, like a kid in a candy store. "Annnnnnd...Vid Vicious...you finally get your fucking ass out of bed?"
A third panel, just above Diana's main readout, lit up red. The voice behind it was distinctly male, less distorted, with a heavy lower-class British accent.
"Oi. Still time for me to nip out and pick meself up a vindaloo, or wot?"
"No asshole, her ship is about to land any second. I'm patching you through to the G-SPAN feed. I need you to start trying to jump through and pull in any other feeds we can use. I'm expecting Westerlund to put Al-Jilani out there. They're getting increasingly desperate...and if I know their MO, which I do by the way, they're going to want to try and knock Shepard off balance from the start, and then keep it that way; a quick, hard, vicious blow. So if we can beat them to the punch, we can knock her off the playing field, the better. And with a little luck, maybe she'll make a mistake and our first push against her will be our last: short, bloody, and overwhelming. I'm not going to lie, a good chunk of the opening move is going to depend on what Shepard can do."
Hackett took a deep breath, and hmmmed through his nostrils, before speaking, "You'd have made a hell of a warhorse in the military. Can't say I saw this ruthless side in you last year."
She smiled very brightly at this. "Personal growth is a fantastic thing; hope you aren't having regrets working with me now, Admiral?"
"Oh no. Nothing of the sort."
"Good...'cause this late in the game, you can't shake the devil's hand, and say you're only kidding. Oh! And hey, we're on."
In the predawn hours of the night, Cape Canaveral is cloaked in a velvet blanket of darkness, arrays of LED lighting cutting hard and clean through it. The constant summer breeze blows, warm, salty and wet.
One light in the night sky starts off as a small pinprick, before quickly growing; over the next few minutes, it finally resolves itself into a small ship of obviously Asari design, coming to land in one of the outdoor landing pads. Crowded around the ramp leading down from the flat docking surface, a large throng of reporters is barely held back in check by the SAAF military police standing silent vigil.
The whine of the ships mass effect systems slowly dies out, a soft hiss of escaping gases. It would be a good few minutes before Shepard finally emerges, proudly dressed in her Asari Commando leathers, but with her N7 hoodie pulled up over it. It makes for an odd, almost jarring contrast. Yet at the same time, it's so very Shepard. She's not afraid to show that she's proud to be in the Asari military now, but she also wraps her Terran military heritage around like a worn, old friend.
Diana thinks to herself, as she watches this all play out on her screen "Damn...either she's better than I thought at this whole public image thing...or someone's coaching her. That, or she's just naturally that GOOD."
Normally she wouldn't believe that someone could be so charmed in life; on the other hand, this IS Holliandra Shepard, and one doesn't do what she's done without some sort of cosmic, divine force being completely crushed out on her.
Holly walks down the ramp, ignoring the flashing lights of image capture devices, and the shouted questions. She simply salutes each of the soldiers standing guard, shakes their hands, and seemingly inquires as to how they're doing. Another officer in dress uniform steps up, shakes hands with Shepard, and starts to lead her through the media gauntlet.
The questions fly fast and furious:
"Shepard! Is it true that the Normandy was nearly destroyed? Did you abandon it simply to come here?"
The media officer fields this instantly "I can assure you that while the Normandy did suffer from a systems failure, the nature of which we are still investigating, Colonel Shepard was a great help in assisting with initial repairs of the ship, before she came back ahead at our request."
Holly chimes in, the officer barely wincing as she does. "A bunch of great people there, so don't worry. They're going to bring the Normandy home. I wish I could be there when it happens but..."
She affably shrugs.
"Colonel, any truth to the rumor that you've come to try and run for political office?"
She snorts with amusement, "You must have mistaken me for my evil twin." prompting a round of laughter. "I'm happy to stay away from that kind of thing."
"Holly! Who do you think will win the Biotiball Galactic Series this year?"
"To be honest, I hope it's whatever team I bet money on.".
The media officer gently directs Holly to wave and smile for the bank of approved news photographers to one side. Despite herself, she can't help but ham it up playfully, just a bit, still smiling brightly.
Diana's smile nearly matched. She canted her head in Hackett's direction. "Damn. She's always been good, but now she's better than I remember, Admiral. If I didn't know better, I'd swear someone gave her coaching before this."
Hackett laid a hand on the back of Allers' chair. "I think you'll find that once she realizes the stakes involved, and has a little time to prep herself, Shepard can give'em the old razzle dazzle as well as anyone. With that said, however, she and I and a small handful of others might have plotted a few things out in advance."
Diana darkened slightly as she peered at her screen, "Yeah? Well, she's gonna need it all in a moment. Here comes Westerlund's prize bitch." indicating Khalisah al-Jilani walking up, with a haughty look on her face.
Hackett tensed for a moment "I hope you know what you're doing, asking me to have her granted media credentials for this event. My natural inclination is to keep her as far away from Shepard as possible right now. If just because of their history together..."
Allers smirked "Trust me, Admiral. I know a few years ago, Shepard had a lousy rapport with...certain members of the media, but the woman I interviewed during the War? She's learned a thing or two about how to deal with people. I realize I'm playing with fire here, but I'm willing to bet WE won't be the ones getting burned. Plus...if you cut Westerlund out of this from the beginning, it gives them a victim card to play. We need to beat them in our own house."
"Oi, Di." came the voice of Vid Vicious. "You catch th' cam'ra from Second Star? S'pointin' right at that lil bint."
"Oh God, Double-V, please tell me you've tapped their feed already!".
"Wot? Don' be ridiculous. 'Course I have. Hacked inta all their viddy feeds not ten minutes ago." There was a slight pause, "Oh. Right. Ought'a forward that over."
Most of the blank monitors facing Allers and Hackett began to light up with the raw feeds from all of the media organizations currently covering the event.
Allers looked over her shoulder, addressing Hackett, "Khalisah's been having trouble lately keeping her expression neutral when she's interviewing people...probably under a lot of pressure from the bosses. Hoping we can use that, if the right situation presents itself.
Hackett rubbed his chin, "Seems like you're capturing a lot of data just for hopes and prayers. I thought you would be...I don't know...doing more FOR Shepard, in the here and now. Given that you've put her in a tank with a rather bloodthirsty shark."
Diana grinned, shaking her head slightly. "You have to dig up a lot of dirt if you hope to hit diamonds. And people don't remember the news today. They remember what they see over the next week. Assuming she doesn't totally blow it somehow, which I KNOW she won't, we can always polish and gloss...at least to some extent."
Finally, al-Jilani made her way over. There is a slight pause, a tension in the air; it's no secret that she and Shepard have never been on what one would consider 'good terms'. More so lately, with Khalisah having made it her mission to 'take down' Holliandra.
"Welcome to Earth, Colonel Shepard." she says, her opening words a cutting first strike, designed to plant the notion that somehow, the other woman is not actually "of this planet" any longer, if she ever was to begin with. "Khalisah al-Jilani, Westerlund News Service."
The media officer does his best to try and divert Shepard away, close as they are now to the transport. Clearly, the last thing he wants to risk is these two rivals having a chance to mix it up again. He tries to deflect Khalisah with a "No Comment" and move on, but Shepard manages to jump ahead of him.
She calmly, almost playful smiles and waves. "Hey babe, great as always, to see you again."
Khalisah frowns at the the diminutive Shepard assigns her, then remembers to try and keep her expression neutral. "I couldn't help but notice that your alien...mate...is conspicuously absent. Can I ask why? Do you think Humans have such short memories that we'll have forgotten that you turned your back on Earth to run off with the daughter of a known ally of the Reapers? Do you think you can just waltz on back, turn on the 'aw-shucks' charm, and play us for fools? Or perhaps...you're simply ashamed of her?"
There's a chill in the air, and clearly the military rep is regretting giving her credentials for this event.
She smiles, despite herself, a vile thing loaded with venom.
Shepard was clearly caught off guard by the line of interrogation, blinking, her easygoing demeanor falling away. The media officer tries to guide her along, but Shepard holds up a hand, shaking her head. It's clear she wants to answer this.
Diana was holding her breath, despite herself. This was where the dice were rolled. This is where she had to trust that Shepard could fly on her own, if just for a few, nerve-wracking seconds.
Give me something...give me ANYTHING I can use to make you look good, or her look terrible. Preferably both!
Sombra suddenly cut in, giving a soft chuckle, "Give it a moment, everyone. I suspect she'll surprise you. I do not believe this is a subject that Khalisah should have brought up."
Madame Butterfly spoke next, "Clearly, al-Jilani isn't aware of Liara's current condition...I agree, she may have just blundered, if Shepard can parry effectively."
Holliandra frowns, taking a deep breath. She steps up to Khalisah, causing the other woman to flinch, just a small bit. Shepard finally speaks.
"No...I'm not ashamed, Khalisah. I don't see why anyone should ever be ashamed of love. There are plenty of Earth men and women in committed relationships with Asari, Turians, and others. And the truth is..." she paused, pursing her lips and looking down for a moment, clearly torn. After a few seconds more, she finally looks up, having come to a decision. "The truth is that my wife...is pregnant. We ah...we got an early start on a family, I guess you could say."
She smiles brightly now, reaching over to rub the back of her neck and head. There is a swell of murmuring, followed by a few more picture flashes.
"And uh...the thing is...well, I guess you've dragged out what should be private" Shepard glares at her now, but only just, "...but there's a complication.. Her health isn't...ah...well it isn't great. I miss the hell out of her, and I know she misses me just as much. She'd be here if she could, but...she knows it's important that I be here, right here, right now, back home on Earth. But I...ah...I'd like to say something to all you folks out there, the ones watching I mean."
Shepard turns around starting to wave at the various cameras.
"If you all could maybe...you know...spare a kind thought or prayer for her tonight, her and our daughter. I know we'd both appreciate it. Now if you'll please excuse me...it's been a long trip, and I'd really like to get some sleep."
Holly finally departs. The questions continue however, their intensity and the frequency of flashbulbs suddenly ratcheting up in intensity at the revelation made. The media officer gives cover to her, working to answer any follow-ups.
Hackett looked inordinately pleased with himself.
Diana leaned back, beaming now. "Wow-how. I seriously had no idea Liara was in...wait, is she really in bad shape, or was that a ploy?"
Madame Butterfly was the first to speak: "I'm afraid it's true. An Asari medical condition known as keppakefex; attempting to reproduce at too young an age.
"Oh my God that is so...so touching!" Diana suddenly punched her fist in the air "They are going to eat that shit up when I do my show tonight!"
Vicious noted, "An' where you lookin' at her face while Shepard was talkin'. Like she wanted to bite her head off, she did."
Diana rewound the recorded footage, and focused on various cuts of Khalisah, zooming in on different expressions. After a few seconds of studying, she called out in triumph, "Yes. Yes yes yes...she...was pissed! Vid, you take that, and you...you do that thing...that you do. You know...with the memes? Some kind of compare and contrast piece of fluff, Khalisah the scowling bitch verses Shepard, choked up with heartfelt emotion. But make it look spontaneous and all that."
"Think Sombra went an' beat me to it. Nice job B-T-W."
"Yes, I believe if you check ExoNet right now, graphics appropriate to the reaction we hope to elicit are already trending. I have a VI that specializes in just this sort of thing."
Madame Butterfly spoke next "Interesting development on that front, actually. T'Soni called in to the Asari Government only a few hours back, and requested that they fly her to Earth in the Destiny Ascension, specifically so she could come be with her bondmate."
Diana began to bounce in her chair slightly "Oh God oh God...Madame B, do...do you think there is...ANY way someone could convince Liara to keep it under wraps...like...seriously. Can we work it so that it is a total surprise to Shepard?
"Ah...I suppose that could be arranged, yes. But I'm not sure why...?"
"Are you kidding? Did you see how well Shepard played off on that cheap shot from al-Jilanii? That was raw, unscripted perfection. Can you imagine the gold we can spin if we get footage of Shepard, having JUST found out Liara is about to land, and come be with her on Earth? Jesus Christ, you can't BUY that level of heart-twanging emotionality!"
"Not inexpensively, at least.". This from Sombra.
"Well...yes. I suppose I do see your point. I'll see what can be done."
Sombra once again piped up "Allers, I'm sending you footage from my archives. It's something that's been sitting in there for a while, but I think after what we've just witnessed, it's obvious the time has come; releasing it now will give us the largest...I believe the expression is "bang for the buck."
Allers and Hackett glanced over at a smaller display, as Diana punched the video file up. Both their eyes widened over the next minute, as the feed revealed the Westerlund reporter in a rather...compromising and intimate position with an Asari, in what appeared to be one of the Citadels more remote corridors..
"Good lord!" Hackett exclaimed. "And...and we can prove this is authentic?"
"By the Goddess, I certainly can!" It was clear from the tone of her voice that Madame Butterfly was caught off guard, and dismayed by this revelation. "I most definitely know who the Asari that she is being so...cordial with, is. And I am very displeased to find out this video exists! "
Diana took a prolonged drag from her vaporizer, puffing it all out as she spoke in staid tones, "Hey gang? I hate to be the girl who shits on the fun parade here, but: So what? You have her smooching an Asari from...lets see, according to the time stamp here...three years back? What keeps her from making some statement about how that was just a 'pre-War dalliance', and now she's 'Learned from her foolish mistake and is wiser for it.'" Allers punctuated her point by making the appropriate air quotes with her fingers.
Madame Butterfly answered, "The Asari in the video feed is named Falana T'Dano. And not only is she the personal aide to...to the Asari Ambassador...but she also has a daughter. Lovely little thing, about 24 months old, if I remember correctly?"
"Wait...wait...are you suggesting Khalisah...is someone's baby-daddy?"
"Well, there's no genetic test to prove that sort of thing, of course..."
"...but Falana's currently raising the girl herself. And there's been a series of payments made to her through channels, which, if traced back far enough, seem to strongly point to al-Jilani.', Sombra added.
Hackett blinked for a moment, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Really? Is that true?" He couldn't believe the incredible lucky break they seemed to have gotten.
"No. Or rather, it's not true right now, Admiral. Give me about six hours, and it will BECOME true. Assuming that we could get the mother to go along with the appropriate version of events?"
Madame Butterfly paused, as if in consideration, before answering, "I...believe that this can be arranged. It may require some...actual payments to be made as well. I will pick up the check, so to speak, THIS time. Also Diana, I'll be sending you a dossier shortly, right after I confirm a few things with C-Sec. And I'll time it so that an appropriate statement from the Asari Councilor comes out, right before your show airs tonight."
Diana blinked, leaning back in her chair for a moment, "Wait, what? You're going to get her to go up there and say 'A-Yup. That devil woman, she done put a baby in my aide here.''?"
She paused for a moment, then lit up, "Oh! Could you, maybe? That would play really well with some of the more...backwater parts of Earth."
Madame Butterfly refused to dignify that with a response.
"Funny world, in'it. Never'a guessed al-Jilani played..er..rugby, for the other team. Oh! Hold up, me take-away just arrived at the door. Di, talk to you later...have fun on the telly tonight!"
The red screen labeled "VID VICIOUS" suddenly shut off.
"Well, I believe this has been quite the productive meeting then. And Ms. Allers? After that file, we're now even, understood?"
"Sombra! Fuck 'even', I'm gonna send you the biggest damn crate of Pineapple Spam I can lay hands on."
"Mmmmmmmmmm. Most appreciated. Sombra out."
The green screen winked out, into darkness.
"Yes, it seems I have plans to set in motion as well. Good morning, then."
The blue screen quickly joined the others.
A silence hung, trembling and pregnant with the promise of what the next few hours would reveal. Diana finally spoke, cutting through the tension with a knife.
"So. Admiral. Was that good, or was that goooooooood?" she purred out.
"Well...I will admit, we're off to an impressive start, Ms. Allers. But it seems like JUST a start..."
"Yeah...and the best is yet. To. Come. Trust me on this one, Admiral. These folks we're working with? They're some of the best."
"Hmmmm. Well, I'll be in touch. Good luck. I suppose I don't have to tell you to enjoy yourself tonight."
Hackett turned, and exited the control room.
Allers simply leaned back in her chair, luxuriating for the moment in what was to come.
FIFTEEN HOURS LATER
In the small, intimate reporting studio that was set up in her massive condo in Seattle, Washington, Diana Allers checked her makeup in the mirror. She was dressed in a dark business blazer and teal blouse, all essential for projecting the right mix of professional reliability and casual, even sensual relatability.
She glanced up to a tall, statuesque blonde holding up the mirror, hair cut into a swept bob; Jillian Edwards was her makeup artist, personal assistant and as of about four weeks ago, lover.
She then smacked her lips together gently as she regarded herself in the mirror once more, making sure her lipstick had an even coating.
"Tell the truth, Jillian: how do I look?"
The other woman parted her own pink-frosted lips a radiant smile.
"Trustworthy."
It was a nightly ritual they had done since "The Way I See It, With Diana Allers" had started broadcasting a few months ago, as a wholly independent program freely broadcast through the ExoNet. While the generous funding coming in from Hackett and his cadre in the military meant she wasn't required to seek sponsorships anymore, she kept up with it, if just for appearances sake.
Jillian planted a soft kiss on the tip of Diana's nose as she stepped back. It was almost time.
"Try not to enjoy yourself too much, baby."
"Too late." Diana smirked. She then turned to the holographic VI that began flashing a warning, counting down the last few seconds before the opening show graphics finished, and the live feed was cut over to her.
And then finally...
"It's now six pm Pacific time, on this, the third day of August, 2187. Good evening, Seattle. And hello, to the rest of the planet. I'm Diana Allers...thanks for coming by."
A computer generated infographic was superimposed in the broadcast feed right next to her, oh so carefully crafted for maximum effect, a snapshot from Shepard landing in Cape Canaveral just before dawn earlier that day, looking at her absolute, almost angelic best, a casual, warm smile on her face.
Diana faced the camera directly, speaking, calm, even affable "Earth's champion daughter returns at last, a month and a half after Vox Incognitae released the now celebrated "Tiger Mama Tape." Of course, the big question on everyone's lips is "Why the delay? Why did it take her so long to return?"
It was a drum, one of the few successful ones, that Westerlund was beating. Time to start picking it apart.
Diana raised her hands, becoming animated with them for a few seconds, "Well viewers...that's a fair question. It's an honest one. And you know me, it's my job, my pledge to you, to get to the bottom of these things...to find out for myself, instead of simply accepting what others in the media hand to me, wrapped up and ready for unquestioning consumption...and you know it's something I've always encouraged all of you to do as well."
Admittedly, encouraging people to think for themselves was risky; the trick was getting them to THINK that they were open-minded, better educated than those who disagreed with them...while at the same time getting those self-same people to believe exactly what she needed them to.
There was a slight shift in the camera angle, as if Diana was turning to another group of watchers, as an aside.
"And what did I find? Well, after significant digging and questioning, I can now tell you exactly what kept Holliandra Shepard so tied up that her immediate return was an impossibility...what situation was so vital that it had to come first, when...certain media sources were all but howling for her instantaneous presence."
"As you all know, Shepard is a Spectre agent, a member of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance office of the Citadel Council. My sources across the Galaxy have confirmed that Shepard was diverted into the very depths of the Terminus Systems to bring a wanted criminal to justice: This man...Bradley Johnson...or as he was more colorfully known to the Galactic underworld, Byron Shelley"
Shelley's picture flashed up in the feed, darkened and given a somewhat grainy finish. Whatever Shelley's foppish reality might have been, to the average viewer at home, a distinct air of menace couldn't help but be discerned from the photo...threatening and sinister without crossing into over-the-top, mustache twirling territory.
"Many of you have probably never heard of Johnson, a man who performed the vast majority of his criminal enterprise deep in the shadows...but I found several people who knew him all too well."
Pictures began to flash up, one by one, as Diana made mention of them. Victims, one and all, of Shelley's dastardly deeds.
Or at least that was the story. Most of it was true, though, which was the best kind of spin to work with.
"This is Veltak Fom, a Volus trader, and a victim of a protection racket masterminded by Johnson. Tonight, he sleeps knowing that no longer will he be forced to give one more credit to a leech of a man who had no right to the sweat of his labor."
The picture of the unassuming Volus faded away, revealing in its place file footage of a badly wounded Turian.
"This is Pelen Tekorian, a C-Sec agent. A law enforcement official, a man of justice, who nearly paid the ultimate price attempting to break up one of Johnson's smuggling operations on the Citadel. Indeed, it was the story of his brave, ultimately doomed attempt that caught Holly Shepard's attention; after learning what happened, she made the decision to do what few others could: bring Johnson to justice. Tonight, Pelek rests and recovers, secure in the knowledge that his substantial injuries were not received in vain.
THAT was a lie, of course...but it was the best kind, in that only one person could actually verify it's authenticity. Shepard had been..less than willing to go along with the story, although she promised at the very least to simply refuse commenting on it. As far as Diana was concerned, that was even better...it seemed humbling and self-effacing.
And finally, this is Tabitha Winters, a nineteen year old co-ed from Earth, attending Simon's Rock college in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. She was abducted last year while on Spring Break on Ilium, and forced into a prostitution ring, one that Johnson personally called the shots for."
Diana suddenly leaned forward, stabbing a finger towards the camera, to drive the next point home "Three weeks ago, she was located, liberated, and returned home to her family in Florida, thanks to information that Shepard recovered from Johnson's records after shutting his entire operation on Omega down."
This was the cherry on top...playing up the aliens who benefited from Shepard's actions simply helped remind viewers that she kept order across the Galaxy. Leaving the most shocking crime for last, and best...it was the Human...something that would drive the point home to the people watching tonight that what kept Shepard away from Earth for so long directly helped Humankind.
"Ms. Winters was kind enough to grant me a short interview last week. Folks, I want you to hear what she had to say to me."
The feed switched over to a thin, attractive woman in her late teens, with auburn hair and tanned complexion. She had a fresh faced appeal without seeming to stick out far too much, someone who looked like they could be any sort of student on any college campus across the Western hemisphere.
It was Shadow Broker, of course, who had dismantled the slavery ring, but he was more than happy to let someone else take the credit in this case. There were many others who were liberated...even other Humans. But Winters...she had the highest TV-Q. She was ratings mana from Heaven.
Offscreen, Allers' voice asks, with quiet empathy, "I know you've been through a lot, Tabitha...and I can't even begin to understand what you've endured, over the last year. But do you have anything you'd like to say, for my viewers?"
The young woman swallows hard, dabbing at the tears welling up in her eyes. She takes a deep breath, glancing to the side, before looking straight to the camera.
"I...I hear a lot of people saying a lot of different things, about Commander Shepard. I guess she's a Colonel now, or something? I don't know...but all I know is that...if she hadn't...hadn't stopped that guy that...I would." She trembled, like a sapling in a sudden, stiff breeze.
Diana softly says, offscreen still. "It's okay..you can stop, if you need..."
The other woman interrupts, choking out. "No! No...I just...I just want to say...I'm home now...because Shepard...she stopped this guy...and found the information needed to save me. So all I know is...that Holly Shepard is the woman who saved me. And I want her to know...Thank you...Thank you!."
Her voice finally cracks, and she turns away from the camera.
The scene swapped back to Diana with a firm look of heartfelt conviction on her features.
"I know what some of you are thinking, folks. I read the Halifax Free Times, and I hear what Westerlund News has to say; they call me "Shepard's Reporter". They accuse me of losing perspective, objectivity, when it comes to her, but you know what? I don't make any damn apologies for it. And Holly Shepard doesn't need my words to bolster her, when her actions speak far louder."
She paused for a moment, giving a soft, brief chuckle.
"But look, my point? Shepard doesn't belong to us, I mean, not just to Earth, not anymore. And she isn't some mythical creature, like a genie, that we can simply summon at a moment's notice to perform for us. She has duties...she has responsibilities. She is one of Earth's best and brightest, showing exactly HOW Earth's best and brightest help protect the Galaxy. For each and everyone one of us, everywhere."
The feed switches back to the first camera view, and Allers turns again.
"But now, a word from one of tonight's sponsors, Cision Motors, makers of the 2188 Sunbolt XE. 'Cision, All The Power You Need, And More!'
"And welcome back. In the second part of tonight's broadcast, I'd like to talk about an incident that occurred early this morning at Cape Canaveral, when Holly Shepard finally returned to us. I'll spoil some of it for you right now...it involves Westerlund News in general, and one of their star reporters in specific, Khalisah al-Jilani."
It was debatable whether al-Jilani was really "The Voice" of Westerlund. The important part was that people watching thought that. It made what was about to happen to her more likely to drag them down as well...
"Long time viewers of this show will know that I have...taken issue, with how Westerlund and al-Jilani comport themselves, that I personally feel they ride the line between actually reporting the news, and simply stirring up slander and controversy merely for the sake of ratings. And with that in mind, I want to play you a clip right now...it's probably one many of you are already familiar with...and then I want to talk about another video that was released barely six hours ago, something that I hope will bring this into sharper context for you all."
The video broadcast cuts to a scene featuring Khalisah and Shepard's interaction, shortly after landing on Earth. A split screen format is used, Shepard on one side, Khalisah's face on the other, reinforcing already-dominant social media paradigms that the Diana's more "underground" sources helped launch hours ago. It's clear that as Shepard gives her answer, al-Jilani makes little attempt to hide her sneering expressions.
Shepard walks through the media gauntlet, having stepped off the landing ramp. She is currently being led along by a military media officer specifically assigned to help her cut through as quickly as possible.
Khalisah steps up, and announces in a rather loud voice:
"Welcome to Earth, Colonel Shepard. Khalisah al-Jilani, Westerlund News Service."
The media officer tries to shut down whatever is coming before it has a chance to rise up. He tries to deflect Khalisah with a "No Comment" and move on, but Shepard manages to jump ahead of him.
She calmly, almost playful smiles and waves. "Hey babe, great as always, to see you again."
"I couldn't help but notice that your alien...mate...is conspicuously absent. Can I ask why? Do you think Humans have such short memories that we'll have forgotten that you turned your back on Earth to run off with the daughter of a known ally of the Reapers? Do you think you can just waltz on back, turn on the 'aw-shucks' charm, and play us for fools? Or perhaps...you're simply ashamed of her?"
Shepard pauses, waving aside the media aide for a moment. Clearly, she wants to answer this one...
"No...I'm not ashamed, Khalisah. I don't see why anyone should ever be ashamed of love. There are plenty of Earth men and women in committed relationships with Asari, Turians, and others. And the truth is..." she paused, pursing her lips and looking down for a moment, clearly torn. After a few seconds more, she finally looks up, having come to a decision. "The truth is that my wife...is pregnant. We ah...we got an early start on a family, I guess you could say."
She smiles brightly now, reaching over to rub the back of her neck and head. There is a swell of murmuring, followed by a few more picture flashes.
"And uh...the thing is...well, I guess you've dragged out what should be private" Shepard glares at her now, but only just, "...but there's a complication.. Her health isn't...ah...well it isn't great. I miss the hell out of her, and I know she misses me just as much. She'd be here if she could, but...she knows it's important that I be here, right here, right now, back home on Earth. But I...ah...I'd like to say something to all you folks out there, the ones watching I mean."
Shepard turns around starting to wave at the various cameras.
"If you all could maybe...you know...spare a kind thought or prayer for her tonight, her and our daughter. I know we'd both appreciate it. Now if you'll please excuse me...it's been a long trip, and I'd really like to get some sleep."
Holly finally departs. The questions continue however, their intensity and the frequency of camera flashes suddenly ratcheting up in intensity at the revelation made.
The feed turned back to Diana.
"Strong accusations, from one of Shepard's harshest critics. And a warm, heartfelt plea from a wife, and a parent-to-be for good wishes for the health of her partner. So let me be one of...I hope many, who say 'Liara T'Soni...you are in our prayers tonight, and we're wishing you a speedy recovery."
Diana was then silent, for almost a full five seconds...a risky tactic, given how poisonous dead air could be...but she needed the time to look...conflicted.
"Folks, as some of you may or may not know, Vox Incognitae released yet another leaked video, around 12pm local time here in Seattle, out on the ExoNet. I struggled long and hard with whether it was appropriate for me to air it at all, here on this program. While it seems merely titillating on the surface, the story behind it, the real story, is a very disturbing one."
"First, let me assure you that I have spent the better part of the past six hours verifying its authenticity; I wouldn't give it much credence if I couldn't at least do that much. C-Sec did confirm barely two hours ago that the authentication hashes and encryption headers match those used for their video feeds on the Citadel. There's also other corroborating evidence, something I'll go into in a moment. But let me play this for you now, and then say a few things about it. I should warn you though..you may find this shocking, and for that, I do apologize."
The feed switches over to the video: Khalisah sharing an intimate embrace, leaning in to kiss an Asari paramore.
Diana had used a highly specific "colorwash" filter program, adjusting the reds, blacks and oranges...giving the video a far more instinctive "lurid" feel than it might carry by itself, unvarnished. It never ceased to amaze her, the aspects that can be manipulated to affect public opinion, that most people never even take into account.
Diana sighed heavily, when the feed returned to her. "Feels a bit like a cheap shot, doesn't it folks? I'll admit...I was very uncomfortable with this, and I can not stress enough that I have done what I could to verify that this video was authentic. With that all said, I still very nearly didn't air this at all...but I can reveal to you now that an hour ago, Tevos T'Naori, the Asari Ambassador to the Citadel Council, released a statement about what you all just witnessed."
Glancing over past the camera, she asked "Do we have that ready to go? Yes?"
Diana was talking to no one, really. The VI did all the work. But making it sound like there was a crew behind her gave it an all-important human touch.
Then turning back to look straight again, she said "Alright then folks: Ambassador T'Naori's statement on this.
The feed cuts to the Ambassador, standing at a lectern in one of the various function rooms in the Citadel Tower, a placid, yet serious expression on her face. Slightly behind her and to the right, a younger Asari holding a small toddler in her arms stands silently.
"Hello, and thank you all for coming." she begins. "A few hours ago, a certain group that will remain nameless took it upon themselves to release a clip, dated several years back, from the Citadel's internal security feed. First, let me assure you all that we are taking every possible step to investigate how this grave breach occurred, and will not rest until we have an answer."
She takes a soft sigh, shaking her head slightly "However, the damage, it seems, has been done. And I believe that it is best to come forward with the following details; to my right is someone you may now recognize. She is my personal assistant, Falana T'Dano. She is also...the other woman in the video. I'm going to let her deliver a statement now, before I conclude this press conference. Please be aware, I will NOT be taking any questions at this time; a follow-up event will be scheduled for first thing tomorrow morning, local Citadel time, for that purpose."
Falana steps up to microphone. She looks nervous, but clearly is doing her best to keep it from so blatantly showing. She bounces the child she was holding slightly, causing her to settle in, and continue napping, head against her shoulder.
"H...hello. My name is...Falana. And this...this is Seylah. Um...about three years ago, I began a relationship with Khalisah al-Jilani. She was...we..." she broke into a shy smile, "She told me she loved me, and she wanted a family. I was so happy...and we engaged in a reproductive meld. About three months into my pregnancy...I...I don't know what happened. Suddenly, she...changed. She told me that she was mistaken, that she couldn't go through with it. And I was..."
She choked back a half-sob, smiling, through her eyes were shining by this point.
"I don't know if I did something wrong, something to make her want to leave, but...I told her I would let her go. I didn't want any money from her...I just wanted her to be in our daughters life, somehow...but all she wanted was to give me was credits and never hear from me again. I would just...I don't know what else to say...I'm sorry..."
She turns away, and finally surrenders to tears, Tevos wrapping her arms around her, and embracing her warmly, whispers something, no doubt reassuring, before letting her be led off by other aides.
Addressing the crowd once again, Tevos says, "Falana came to me in her hour of need, some time ago, and I had kept her confidence until now. I am speaking today, lending my support, because knowing how these things often develop, there is a chance that...unkind things may be said about her; her and her child. I want to assure you that my aide is a bright, hard-working mother, and the only thing she is more dedicated to than helping me do my best to serve on the Citadel Council is her daughter. And I stand behind her and her story. I would ask that you please respect her privacy at this time. Thank you very much."
Tevos turns away, ignoring the questions that are called out, despite her insistence that she would not be taking any. Video capture units flash away as she departs.
Diana sighed once more, looked down, pinching the bridge of her nose. She was silent for another three seconds, before looking straight into the camera.
"Quite a story, huh? I mean, I can't imagine that someone like the Ambassador, the woman who sits on the Citadel Council itself, is going to make something like this up...or that she's going to be so easily mislead. But people, like you...and me? We still need to dig a little deeper, we need to look for proof. So on that note, I spent time putting out calls to my sources, right down 'til almost the last second before we went on the air, trying to find some corroborating evidence. And as you all know, all the links, all the files that I find when I investigate, I put up on my ExoNet site for you to examine as well."
The site link address began to flash underneath her.
And after double checking the evidence of the money trail that Vox Incognitae released as well...I discovered that at least one of the parties involved, in a complex transfer of credits over three separate times in 2184, involve at least one shell holding corporation known to belong to Westerlund News Service. It's not my job to draw conclusions, although" she shook her head and laughed lightly "I've been known to give in to passion on occasion. But look, you make up your own minds, folks."
Diana had to admit that the forged figures were a masterwork; she nearly believed them herself. And the child? She had no idea if that was really al-Jilani's or not. Probably not...better if it wasn't, it would make her predictably engage in damaging bluster and protest, as she would think that somehow having the truth on her side would be enough.
Allers took a deep, cleansing breath, then smiled softly to the camera once more. "We're gonna take a few calls from some of the audience out there, and my I'll give my final words for the evening, after a message from our second sponsor tonight, Hahne-Kedar Personal Armaments. Hahne-Kedar: Effective. Reliable. Homegrown.
"And we're back...and with me on the line is...Terence, yes?"
A smaller window-in-window appeared, and a head shot of a young male, somewhere in his late twenties, could be seen. When he spoke, it was with a lower class English accent, speaking quickly, clearly excited to be on.
"Yeah, that's right. Terence Wilson. And first off, just wanna say, love your show Diana, it's brilliant, watch it all the time..."
Diana laughed lightly, almost blushing. "Wow, that's quite a compliment considering it must be...what..2am over there?"
"Yeah yeah, that's right. Don't usually watch it live like this, catch it streaming later on, but since I knew you was going to be talking about Shepard, I had to stay up and watch. And anyhow, that's what I'm calling up about, right? So first, let me say, I was there, in London, you know? Right at the end. I was with the Systems Alliance Planetary Militia, a Corporal, and they had us out there fighting those monsters to the bitter end.
Diana steepled her fingers together, and with a heartfelt look in her eyes, said "And thank you, Terence. Thank you for your service...you're as much a hero as anyone else."
"Ah..ha ha...um...cheers Di, cheers. We were all just trying to do our jobs, do our duty, right? And Shepard was there, Shepard was there right at the front of the line; the last time I saw that woman, like with my own eyes, she was running into the thick of it, with those crazy red laser beams shooting out, people dying, tanks blowing up like they wasn't nothing. But Shepard ran into it, she kept going, like she was bloody Boudica or something. And an hour or two later, the war was over! But...but listen, do you know who else was there? The Krogan...and the Turian...and I think a few of them robot whatsits...Geth, yeah? They were there, because Shepard went out, out to all of them, and told them they damn well needed to get behind her and help her take back Earth."
Diana continued to smile, nodding as she listened.
"They came...don't know what she said to them, but damn right, they came. And I...I got my leg blown off, you see. In the fighting. Not saying to brag, but I want to make a point: I'd be dead, dead out on that field, but one of those crazy, bloody Krogan comes charging down like the Devil himself, smashing into all them...them things. Don't even know if the bastard lived...but you know what? That let the Turians come in, allowed them to pull me and my mates out. I owe 'em my life. I mean look, I'm a simple kinda guy, Diana, right? I don't see an awful lot of aliens, even now, where I live...I'm sure some of 'em out there in space, they're bloody awful. But the Krogans and the Turians? They're damn brilliant. Oh..and the Asari...ha! Yeah, you know what I'm talkin' about."
"Hate to rush you Terance, but I can only give you another minute or two."
"Right, so my point..is...where do these Humanis gits...that the party that's telling us how bad Shepard and all the aliens are, right? And that al-Jilani's the worst of the lot too, God what a...well, I'm not gonna say it, not on your programme, you're too classy. So yeah, anyhow, where do they get off, trying to make us think that Shepard hates Earth? That she's like...I don't know..selling us down the river or something? That's lunacy, that is. She's a hero...a damn bloody patriot."
"Twenty seconds, my friend."
"Right right, last bit...I mean, where were they, you know, with all the fighting? Where were they? I'll tell you where, they were out fighting our own damn people with that group, Cerberus? I heard they even tried to blow up the Citadel...that's madness! Anyhow I don't know how these people tearing her down got elected, but maybe it's time to kick them out, make sure that the right proper people get in instead, am I right? Anyhow, love the show, g'bye!
Hackett had been the one to point Wilson out, as someone who would play along, deliver the words that needed to be spoken, and best of all, actually believe them. It was an easy thing to make sure his call made it on the air tonight.
"Thanks Terence! Definitely something to think about. We've got time for one more call. Brenda, from Ft. Collins, Free Republic of Texas. Hi Brenda."
The picture-in-picture view switched over to an older woman, in her sixties or thereabouts. Clearly born and bred in the Republic, from the sound of her twang as she spoke.
"Well howdy right back to ya, darlin'. I just started watching your show, maybe a couple weeks back? My grandson showed me some of the old episodes...and well...I was watching Westerlund a lot, but now I'm starting to wonder a bit about them."
Diana's eyes sparkled slightly, nodding her head slightly to the side, " I appreciate it! My feeling is that folks should try and see as much as they can, make up their own mind."
"Well...like I said, I've been thinking a lot...about a lot of things. Most of the folks in my church, well, they don't quite approve of the relationship that Holly Shepard is in right now...you know. 'Cause she's with...an alien? Not when there are perfectly good, God-fearin' Human women around. But...gosh, they make such a nice couple too, don't they? And that wedding, Lordy, I swear it was like out of some fairy tale book! Wasn't it nice, Diana?"
"It was fantastic, Brenda. And big!"
Brenda laughed, snorting at the end each time. "It was, oh my, it was. And you know, maybe it was a little...well, it wasn't done in a proper church. You know, before God and all? But it's not my place to judge. The important part, though, is they got married. They made an honest commitment before she got pregnant. That little baby will have two decent parents and all. But...Khalisah...you know Diana, I used to looooove her, her work. Despite the fact she was...you know...a foreigner."
Pronounced like "fer-I-ner"
"But Diana, now tell me...is it really true? I mean, that them Asari can't go getting pregnant unless they really mean to be?"
Diana nodded confidently. "The Asari actually don't have a word in their own language for 'accidental pregnancy.'"
"So that IS true! I told Tammy Faye last week that was the truth! And I hear that they ain't got no abortion clinics neither. Maybe they're aliens...but they're kinda like blue angels, too, bless their hearts. They just need to read the Good Book, and I'm sure they'd stop worshiping pagan idols and turn to Jesus if they did but...they just don't know any better right now.".
Diana laughed kindly while at the same time trying to hide the painful wince coming up on her face. She then said, "I can give you a another minute, Brenda."
"Oh, oh, okay, I'll make it quick: I just want to say I feel so sorry for that girl...who got herself pregnant for Khalisah. And then just got up and dumped, and now she has to raise that precious little baby alone? That's just terrible! And then she, I mean that AL-Jilani woman, has the gall to keep attacking Colonel Shepard, a military VETERAN, who saved this planet from the spawn of the Devil himself...and she married HER woman, and they're gonna have a baby together. I mean, no wonder she went and left the Systems Alliance military, if that's the kind of people we let say nasty things about our soldiers in the military. Hypocrites like that Khalisah...OOOH! It just ain't right, Diana, it just ain't right! God will judge her! God most certainly will judge her."
"Thanks Brenda, any last words?"
"Yeah...I think I'm gonna go and get my knitting group to pray for Mrs Shepard this Sunday...what's her first name, Lianna? That's such a pretty name, like the ivy. Anyhow, thanks for hearing me out. Toodle-oo!"
"Alright...well thank you Brenda, from Ft. Collins. And now...some final words."
Brenda, Allers would later learn, had been personally call-screened by Jillian herself, who relied on gut instinct in letting her through. She had also managed to wheedle an amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe out of the older woman. It had been a risk, but clearly worthwhile. If they could win the "hicks in the sticks" they'd be absolutely golden.
Allers leaned in slightly, as if sharing a somewhat friendly, intimate moment with the viewer.
"Friends? I hope I can call you friends...lets be honest here, in the end, we're all on the same team really, right? And it's all like Shepard said...Earth's done a hell of a lot to be proud of. And we've achieved a hell of a lot too...but with all that power and achievement comes...responsibility. And to be perfectly honest, it seems that during the last election, the Humanis Party, which, by the way, viewers of my program know is heavily funded by Westerlund, sold us a particular bill of goods. They were swept to power at a time where we were all afraid and reeling from the aftermath of the War. But what have we gotten from them, for placing the sacred responsibility and trust of public service in their hands?"
Allers shifts again, to a third camera feed. "Well, I'll tell you what, at least what I see: A whole lot of nothing. The Systems Alliance Parliament has been essentially crippled, unable to effectively govern, to respond to the needs of all Humans across the Galaxy, because of the constant outrageous and unreasonable demands of the Humanis party. Furthermore, Ambassador Effigenia Armitage, as you viewers well know, has been a constant and enduring embarrassment to all Humans everywhere, clearly out of her element in representing Humanity on the Citadel Council, a seat that precious blood was spilled to secure. And worst of all, Westerlund, the paymaster behind the party, continues to air poisonous and divisive attack programming that seems to bring out the worst in all of us."
"Folks, I don't want to spend too much time preaching here, and you don't need to hear it from me...but I can't help but feel that maybe there's something in the air. That maybe a change is coming...and all I can say about that is that I hope we think long and hard about the direction we want to take, as a species, as a respected and powerful member of the Galactic community. Maybe we goofed. Maybe we acted rashly...but it's not too late to try and make things better."
Allers leans back a bit, raking her fingers through her hair.
"Anyhow...that's just...The Way I See It. Good night folks...and remember...keep digging, keep thinking, keep asking. And as always, you can find the full story-behind-the-story on my ExoNet site. I'm Diana Allers...have a great tomorrow. "
Diana held the gaze, a hopeful, humble expression, waiting for the video feed to finally fade to black. For the VI to start glowing red again, indicating that recording was finally off.
"Wooo!" Diana spun once in her chair, and then reached under her desk, pulling out a champagne flute.
"Jilly-bean! You best come and Cristal my ass, right now!"
A soft 'glug-glug' noise could heard, as the flute was quickly filled from just over her shoulder. Allers turned and smiled, noting that Jillian already had one of her own. The two clinked glasses, and then took a sip, locking eyes for a moment...which prompted Allers to rise up, and give her a firm but brief kiss.
Jillian smiled, somewhat flustered "You...are in a good mood, hmmm?"
"Are you fucking kidding me? I was on God damn fire tonight! Please tell me I was on fire tonight?"
"Do I get a raise if I do?"
"Well, you won't NOT get a raise..."
Jillian snorted, but pulled Allers close, running her thumb over Diana's lower lip tenderly. "You...were on God damn fire, babe."
"I know, right? Hell, I don't even want to spend tonight looking over all the response data. Double V can crunch that shit and give me the highlights in the morning. I wanna go out...have a fantastic meal...and party!"
Jillian brightened considerably. "Shall I start making suggestions?"
"Oh, please!"
"Ummm...San Francisco?"
Allers rolled her eyes, and gave a slight whine "Come oooon! That's like our fucking backyard."
"Paris?"
"Oh! Neat, but...Paris is more of a breakfast place, you know?"
Jillian suddenly snapped her fingers, "I know! Manhattan."
"Yeah! Yeah, Manhattan, and you know where should go?"
"Oniyuri?"
"Fuck yes Oniyuri! I am so in the mood for Asian tonight. You call ahead and get us a table." She gulped down her champagne and slammed the flute back down onto her desk, nearly breaking it.
Jillian wrapped her arms around Diana once more, and murmured close against her ear. "Are you sure you wouldn't just like to order in, instead?"
Diana smiled wickedly, reaching up to stroke the other woman's cheek.
"Nah" she whispered. "I still want to go out. But tell you what, lets make out in the car on the way there."
The two laughed, and walked out to the landing pad on the roof, hand in hand.