Chapter Soundtrack: 4aem
Artist: Grimes
Bang!*
Bang* *Bang*
Sounds of consecutive shots fired in the training room. All of them, a perfect head shot on each dummy.
The newly pronounced Spectre by the Council was a Turian. Garrus Vakarian, one of the best marksman the galaxy has to offer. He was young, indeed... But by no means inferior to the older Spectres that came before him. As a Turian, he's been trained in the military the moment he could handle a gun. His father also spent no expense in grooming him to become the Spectre the family could be proud of.
Every end of the day, Garrus would fire his weapons relentlessly in the range as some sort of stress relief. Here, he didn't need to hold back, no citizens to be concerned of, no need to be in control.
Control... Something he was definitely sick of.
"You're here again, Garrus?"
Nihlus, a fellow Turian, a friend, entered the range.
"You could use other means of relaxing, you know."
Garrus clicked the safety on his weapon and holstered it back by his side. He closed his eyes for a moment, sighed and turned around to face his friend.
"Like what, Nih? Chora's Den?"
The other Turian scoffed at him.
"Garrus, Chora's den is lame now compared to the new establishment they put up! Haven't you heard?... Apparently an Asari and a Human set up a new spot together." He winked.
"I haven't seen anything new around here. I've been making the rounds everyday."
Garrus proceeded to gather his things and walk out the range. Nihlus followed close behind.
"That's because it's not here in the Citadel. It's in Illium!"
Garrus whipped his head around.
"Say what? You want me to go all the way to Illium to destress?"
Nihlus proceeded to rub his knuckles on his friend's shoulder in an attempt to massage them.
"Come on, you've been working all week. There's nothing up tomorrow for you to do last I checked. "
Garrus shoved his talons away from him.
"Fine, fine, fine... Just this once.
You're paying Nih!"
"That's the spirit!" Nihlus slapped Garrus' back so hard in excitement causing the Turian to trip forward. He just shook his head in surrender.
--
Asari and Female humans are gathered inside a spacious room decorated in plush carpet flooring, soft cream colored walls, vanity mirrors and tables on one side of the wall, while long flowing evening dresses hung on the other side. All of them were busy picking out their outfits, adorning themselves in jewelry, applying makeup or getting their hair done.
Another night at work, another night stroking the male ego to earn some good credits. It seemed to be an intergalactic thing. Males willing to pay such a high price for even a little bit of female attention. Here in consort type lounges, the male does not run the risk of embarrassing himself of being turned down. All he has to do is walk in, get his credits scanned, and he is sure to be taken care of for the night.
He wants to talk about his problems? Of course.
He wants company as he drinks the night away? Sure.
He wants to have a woman in his arms to dance and sway with? They got that.
He wants a private show of the female body as they move seductively? That can be arranged.
He wants all of the above and more for one whole evening? Pay double the standard rate and they'll make it happen.
The neon signboard outside of the lounge lit up, and the women walked out of their budoir, onto the marble floors of the receiving area and stood by their respective spot.
The building has several floors and varied themes depending on the area. There's a club and a chill bar with a live band at the height of every evening at the basement. A restaurant at the second floor with a balcony overlooking the lounge facing the receiving area. The lounge is art deco inspired, with black, and gold colors. A giant crystal chandelier greets patrons from the high ceiling when one comes through the entrance.
Private rooms can be found at the top floor which can only be accessed by one of the staff through their omni tool.
The human co owner of the place is the notorious Kasumi Goto. Rumor has it that one of the biggest heist conducted in Bekenstein's casino in Omega was masterminded by Ms. Goto herself. As much as they wanted her arrested, there was never sufficient evidence to incriminate her. It doesn't help that her Asari business partner is Aria T'Loak. The one and only queen of Omega.
The two would be present usually for the opening hours, making sure everything was up to standard in their eyes, may it be the glossiness of the marble floors or the outfits of their women. Their presence was enough to put anyone on edge. The girls would get nervous in their heels as the pair walked past them.
Aria, would always be dressed in her signature leather jacket and pants, while Ms. Goto would wear a long, black cape with the waist section tied up, hugging her figure. Her black, knee high boots would clack on the floors with its signature sound signalling her arrival.
"Good evening girls." Kasumi's lips upturned to a smirk as she scanned them one by one as they stood in a row.
"We got men to please and credits to take." She spoke calmly but with a hint of deviousness.
Aria walked to the back end of the row, where the newbies would be placed and she yelled,
"The rest of you better train the new bitches well! You're not here to fight or make a competition out of each other. Your only competition is Chora's den. You're all here as a collective... To earn us those credits. You know what to do."
With that, Aria and Kasumi left the building as operations started.
Where they'd go? No one ever knows. However, if anyone fucks up in their business, they knew.
--
Garrus and Nihlus arrived at Nos Astra, the capital of Illium, a classic garden world, a buzzing hub for trade, transactions, business, and entertainment. It is originally an Asari colony, and every hormonally driven species appreciate the Asari beauty... But lately, the appreciation for female humans who closely resemble the Asari physique, has been growing.
The Turian pair made their way through the busy streets, and to the lower areas of the city where you'll find most of the evening entertainment. Neon light signboards adorn the buildings and lit up the road. Some drunk citizens already sat outside clubs, struggling to get on their feet. Interspecies couples could be seen hiding in the shadows of alleyways getting busy.
"So uh... Where we heading Nih?"
Nihlus patted his back and pointed to a building further ahead where the road ended.
"There. That's our destination." His eyes lit up as they approached. Fancy, flying vehicles lowered themselves to the entrance and they were assisted immediately.
"That sure doesn't look friendly to our credit chit. Can't we find something more... Affordable?" Garrus hesitated to approach, feeling out of place.
A giant, pink sign board with human letters read : "S - a - k - u - r - a" right at the top of the entrance.
The Turians walked towards the tall, golden doors, that was opened for them by two young Krogans.
Garrus took a deep breath and tried to walk as confidently as he could. He had no plans on meeting any females tonight but it won't hurt to make a good impression.
An Asari in a white, flowing dress approached them.
"Good evening handsome gentlemen, what can I do for you?"
Nihlus held out his arm and activated his omni tool.
"Just the regular three hours at the lounge with the basic drink choices, and a companion for the two of us, thanks."
He winked at Garrus with a mischievous smile.
"Don't worry Garbear, I got you."
--
Kasumi uncloaked down an empty hallway within the building and entered the girl's budoir. She found one of the girls left inside, fixing her hair infront of the vanity.
"Hello there, Sofia.
Late again this evening?"
The girl chuckled and looked at Ms. Goto.
"Sorry mam, you know I can't reveal to everyone that I'm the former dead Spectre."
"No worries, Shep." Kasumi casually laid on the couch.
"You know, I'm just thinking if I should just shave my head so I won't need to worry about this red hair of mine giving away my identity."
Kasumi jumped out of her seat.
"Absolutely not!" She protested. She stood and walked up behind the girl. Her hands caressed the girl's arms as she laid her chin on her shoulder.
"You're beautiful, Shep. So is your hair. I like seeing it in private. Besides, it's rare!"
Her hands traveled down to the girl's waist and held it firmly.
"By the way, I have an assignment for you tonight, my dear..."
Kasumi slowly backed away towards the door.
"We have the brand new Spectre Vakarian gracing us with his presence. I want my best girl entertaining him tonight."
With that, Kasumi turned her cloak back on and disappeared with the door closing.
--
The Turians were led to a half circle shaped couch, which was velvet to the touch and they sank comfortably onto it. The Salarian waiters in their professional uniforms rushed to place several different bottles on the table.
"Hello good sirs, these are the drink choices that come with the basic package. Which ones will you have?"
Just when he was about to pick his regular ol' Turian scotch, Nihlus jabbed him on his side to catch his attention.
Garrus looked at where Nihlus was staring at.
A human female with long, carbon black hair, pale skin, and crimson red lips was going down the stairs. She wore a sparkling, golden dress that had a high cut all the way up to the top of her thighs putting her slender leg on full display as she skillfully made her way down the steps despite the thin, silver stiletto footwear.
Garrus gulped at the sight. The human caught him staring shamelessly at her making his pulse race. An Asari approached the human and whispered in her ear. She nodded back and started walking towards their table.
"Is she really?..." He thought.
Nihlus was rendered speechless as the human stopped at their table. Her hand rested on the top of their couch, just behind Garrus' head. Her other hand, by her waist.
"May I suggest the Sapphire wine?" She said as her gazed laid on Garrus. Her lips turned up into a small smile.
"It's a skillfully crafted alcohol by humans specially made in honor for Turians."
"Whatever the lady says folks." Nihlus blurted and gestured to the Salarians.
Garrus remained tongue tied as his blue eyes lingered deeper into the human's gaze.
It's as if his world slowed down, and his heart pounding against his chest was the only sound in the air.
He broke away from his daydreaming by a swat on his back by his friend beside him.
"Garrus, don't keep the lady waiting!" Nihlus exclaimed.
He immediately scooted further to the middle of couch to make space for the lady.
"I'm so sorry ma'am... You.. you caught me by surprise, please please... Have a seat! That is, that is... if you actually did intend on sitting with us."
The human chuckled at the bumbling mess of a Turian infront of her and sat down beside him.
"The name is Sofia. Pleasure to meet you Mr...?"
"His name is Garrus Va-"
Nihlus got interrupted by a slam on the chest by Garrus' arm.
"My name is Garrus uh... Kryik. Garrus Kryik. But you can call me Garrus"
For a moment, Nihlus was confused why he would not want to say his real surname then it clicked.
He didn't want his spectre identity to be revealed tonight.
Got it.
--
I immediately spotted the Turian Spectre the moment I went down the stairs. We caught each other's eyes. He had beautiful, blue eyes that matched the markings on his face.
My blood rushed with excitement with this new experience tonight. Finally, I can speak to someone else who isn't a sleazy merc or a dirty, old, shady businessman. It's been a while since I got this close to anything military, and feeling close to what used to be so familiar felt... comforting.
I approached and I saw his eyes widen. He probably didn't expect that I was the one to first keep him company tonight. The man didn't seem to be experienced in these kinds of things judging from his reactions, and it made him all the more adorable as he fumbled around and offered me a seat.
Holding out a hand, I introduced my screen name, and surprisingly, in turn, he also offered me a screen name. He didn't introduce himself as "the" Spectre Vakarian. I guess it's only fair, I didn't tell him either that I'm the missing, possibly dead, first human Spectre. That makes us even.