Sai'ira looked in the mirror, her bruising was mostly gone thanks to the medi-gel, although her brace needed one more day before she could take it off but at least her dress covered that. She preferred something short, felt that it matched the tropical setting, form-fitting and red, her favorite color, with a white belt across her stomach. She stood up straight in front of the bathroom mirror and turned to the side running her hand down herself, poking her stomach, her hip, backside, then she looked at her legs which felt a little different since it had been three days since she had done any real training. The muscle tone of course remained but she did feel weaker some how, she hated that feeling and the swim last night was a bad idea with her chest now feeling a little more sore. She pushed up her cleavage and sighed, feeling silly for wearing a fancy dress, fortunately her omni-tool could correct her on her make up so she looked presentable but knew she'd come off uncomfortable. Already Sai'ira preferred getting beaten up by the turian on the shuttle. When she looked in the mirror, taking her mind off her body she met her eyes, dark, hazel, and human as much as she had engrained herself in human society at the end of the day she stands before the world not only blue but one hundred and twelve and going to a party with a man whose great-grandfather held her as a baby. After staring at herself for a good five minutes she reminded herself that there was free food and booze and oddly enough that made her feel a whole lot better. Much like her mother, and grandparents Sai'ira did not paint her face like other asari, occasionally (like tonight) she'd wear lipstick, a dark blue to contrast her pale blue skin. Ready for the gala she picked up her small hand-bag with a long and thin gold chain and placed it on her shoulder before heading downstairs.

There was a bit of a crowd on the shuttle port, a few reporters with passes around their necks among other people on the other side of the ropes some giving interviews to guests. The port rested next to the balcony that overlooked the beach and on top of the casino was a small garden and bar just outside the entryway. Sai'ira figured what with all that's going on the Federation would want everyone to see how nice it is, and how they don't see what's going on in the norther part of the planet as a "crises". Or perhaps E'nea wants them to think "what crisis?" Aethyta described her as cunning for a reason.

"Come on sweet cheeks." She said as the door opened for them slowly moving upwards Sai'ira heard a few camera flashes as her heel touched the ground, she waited for her grandmother who was wearing a white fur shawl, around her beige dress.

"Matriarch Aethyta!" One of the reporters called out.

"Who the hell let you people up here." Aethyta said, turning to Sai'ira, "the benefit of the Federation is I can say whatever I want."

They walked pass the few flashing cameras until one Salarian pushed himself past the others and called for Sai'ira directly. "Sai'ira, as the daughter of Commander Shepard does your presence here mean you support the Federation in Kreik and not the Citidel?"

"Um..." She wanted to say it wasn't her fight but got worried that it would somehow get twisted, so she simply avoided the question.

"I'm just on vacation really, It's cold where I live on Earth." Perhaps that was an answer as it provoked a follow up.

"You shouldn't have done that." Aethyta said, "Have fun with your friend, see you inside." She smiled and gave her a peck on the cheek. Rolling her eyes Sai'ira turned back to the Salarian as a human and turian reporter gathered near.

"With the now viral vid going around of you defending a shuttle from pirates are you here at the behest of any government entity?"

Oh fuck, she parted her lips but before she could say anything Sai'ira felt a hand on her shoulder, turning around to see Thomas beeming, with his father in tow. "Let's leave the talking to the professional, yeah?" He nodded in the councilors direction. And as much as she'd like to say hi to Aiden Sai'ira just wanted off the red carpet she linked arms with Tom and walked past the press line.

"Always, always, always avoid reporters." He smiled.

"Yeah, yeah, he caught me off guard I didn't think anyone knew me out here. I mean It's not like I'm on vid screens all the time."

"Yes, just memorials and punching people." He shadow boxed her shoulder, which made her frown.

"I didn't know I was being recorded, not that it would change anything. Nice suit."

Now that she had a moment to notice she looked him up and down, sharply dressed, hair well kept, clean face, if Sai'ira hadn't known him as a baby he'd be her type.

"Nice dress, um-also Allen couldn't make it he's in dispose that's all I can say about that, um-for now anyway. My date called off-"

"Oh, that's fine, it'll give us more time to catch up." She had forgotten about Thomas's friend, it didn't matter that much and if anything she felt like she could relax have those free drinks and food and watch all the important people do stuff. She looked back to see Aiden still talking to the reporters and sighed. "Can we wait inside?"

"Sure, Dad will catch up." Thomas followed Sai'ira as she passed the bar and walked down onto the balcony where on one side was one of the best views of a sun set in her life and the other was a window into one of the most expensive rooms she had ever seen. The chandelier alone must have been a million credits, the golden decorations on the white walls, the glass bar(it looked like glass anyway) that showed you everything under the counter, and the guests, even at one hundred and twelve years old Sai'ira had yet to see so much wealth in one place but then again that's the point of a casino right? The more she thought about that the more she understood how E'nea T'loak kept power, with lots and lots of distraction.

She walked inside with Thomas next to her, he motioned towards the large glass bar that was adjacent to the dance floor. A few people were slow dancing to the live band, Sai'ira gave them a sideways glance as she passed. When they reached the bar Thomas ordered a salty krogan on the rocks, Sai'ira ask for something bubbly and was served first.

"They threw something like this for us N-school grads, it was hilarious because we'd been so used to drinking swill and eating protein paste for two years then they throw us a big party in Rio, half of us hadn't had alcohol in months and it went straight to our heads."

Sai'ira chuckled, "I've been to Rio once, goddess it's been a whi-"

"Nice place right? They never really recovered from the war though...sad." The hum of conversation began to grow as more guests arrived, and the band played louder or at least it seemed that way and as more people flocked to the bar Sai'ira realized that being a wall flower wasn't an option so they had to move down to one of the high tables that were scattered about. She remained impressed at the extravagant spread, she could smell dinner being brought out to the buffet as until then waiters had been walking around with small hors'devours but nothing that looked recognizably edible.

Sai'ira spotted Aethyta across the dance floor talking to a volus, she picked up her drink turning to Thomas "watch my bag?"

He didn't get time to respond as Sai'ira briskly made her way towards her grandmother before he could reply.

"Well Korta," She took a swig of her whiskey. "I'd say you've really nothing to worry about, the odds of E'nea calling for aide are slim to none. Not to mention Krieks defenses are near impenetrable, we knew the risks of building a planet-side shipyard, the real benefit is the fact that we can hide it better."

"I understand-kish-my worry as is that of the other Federation planets is that we'll be dragged-kish-into conflict with the Alliance."

"I assure you, the home worlds will remain safe, including the colonies. E'nea has assured me and the other ambassadors that this is merely the Alliance seeing how strong we really are."

"You realize then-kish- what that implies, our banking firms aren't worried about a prolonged conflict-kish-only the damage it does to trade with the Alliance."

"You know as well as I, that production colonies do not share the same sentiments of the home worlds, besides I doubt Earth or any of the other Council worlds will stop trading due to a small planetary conflict."

"Alright-kish-If you're confident then the congress will remain supportive-kish- I'll still need to speak with E'nea though-kish."

"Of course-Sai'ira? Done with your press release?"

"Ha. Ha, thanks for leaving me to the scalely wolves." Sai'ira crossed her arms glaring at her.

"Hey, you stopped to talk to him." Aethyta reminded, sipping her drink.

Sai'ira parted her lips to reply but nothing came out and instead of looking like a buffoon with her mouth wide open she filled it with her bubbly.

"Excuse me-kish-but I do not believe we are acquainted. Kish- Korta-Kon, ambassador and member of the Federal congress." He held out his small tri-fingered hand and Sai'ira politely accepted, gently shaking it she almost lost her balance in her heals as she bent over but was able to regain her composure with relative grace.

"Sai'ira Shepard, I'm Aethytas granddaughter."

"Shepard, as in-"

"Yes." She nodded her head, having been used to the reaction after a century, most people have no idea that Shepard had a lineage and few even believed that it would be an asari, especially on Earth.

"Very-kish- interesting." It was then the band stopped and the lights dimmed just enough to gain the attention of the crowd. There she was, on stage stood E'nea T'loak, the governor of Horizon. She wore a glittering golden gown that could be seen from the other side of the ballroom.

"Excuse me?" Her voice came over the speakers, "may I have your attention please? The commencement will-"

"If you ever find yourself-kish- in need of my services do not be afraid to ask." He swiped his small hand across his omni-tool and Sai'ira saw hers blink.

"Um, thanks I'll keep that in mind.

"Kisssh-Oh I'm counting on it." Korta walked away leaving Sai'ira and Aethyta to themselves, the young asari stood with a puzzled look on her face. She knew it might have bee a bad idea but she had her omni-tool on low-light, meaning that a small orange square lit up her wrist displaying the message.

The Shadow Broker sends his regards.

"Huh?" When Sai'ira looked down, Korton-Kon had already walked away, she quickly looked around the ballroom scanning each guest it wasn't hard to find a volus considering he was the only one she saw at the party. She was starting to get frustrated when Thomas showed up and it was like breaking a trance.

"I was wondering if you'd like to dance-"

"Great Idea," Aethyta chimed in, always at the worst possible time. "Loosen up kid, only you would be tense at a party, you really have been around what's-her-name too long."

Sai'ira rolled her eyes, "Miranda, grandma."

"Dance, be happy, relax. Besides these Salarians can play."

She had yet to notice but the music was playing louder and there were people dancing on the floor, she turned to Thomas his oddly debonair demeanor made it seem like something else, Sai'ira knew when she was being hit on but as an N7 he might also know who this "Shadow Broker" is.

"Of course..." Shs trailed off seeing something-someone that set off alarms in her head, a face she had not forgotten as she had stared it down a few days prior above the planet. The dark human, her green eyes, her hair in rows tied into a bun, and wearing a security uniform and hat that covered the front of her face but she looked up for just enough time for Sai'ira to identify her. It was like a switch to her, all of a sudden she was on the hunt Sai'ira stammered a moment in front of Thomas and quickly made an excuse.

"Excuse me, I have to use the restroom."

"Oh, yeah, I think it's over there...or something." He scratched the back of his neck Sai'ira began following the woman through the crowd, she walked straight to the elevator where the woman was waiting, grabbing her handbag off the high top, 'thanks Tom' she thought walking toward the elevator that sat next to the bar, clever. The woman waiting in front put her head down when Sai'ira approached and stood next to her, fishing in her handbag purposefully when the elevator dinged and the door slid open they both stepped inside. Retrieving her lipstick, Sai'ira let the woman pick her floor first, after applying the dark, maroon lipstick Sai'ira tapped the floor below hers. Shepard knew she had seconds to decide her next move, either she waits and sees the humans co-conspirators or she takes her down and questions her. Sai'ira lost her train of thought when two other guests grabbed the door.

"Hold on!"

They bumbled in both the dark-skinned woman and Sai'ira stood silently as an asari and turian stepped into the elevator.

"Thanks for holding." The turian said, genuinely.

"Of course." Sai'ira smiled, that's when the woman across from her saw her and they locked eyes Sai'ira catching her badge displayed via a hologram on the left side of her chest. Maxine Roth, If that is your real name.

Max eyed her but her face remained relaxed, as did Sai'iras.

"God these elevators are slow." The asari commented

"Wouldn't be so bad if they didn't play this shitty music."

"Could be worse, we could be on the Citidel."

As the elevator lowered into the casino Sai'ira noticed that they were in a glass elevator with the window behind them, she could see all the way down to the lobby, hearing the doors open Sai'ira whirled her head back around to see the couple leave. The doors remained open for a moment and Sai'ira stood up a little straighter setting her handbag down on the floor and kicking off her heels as Max raised a brow she took off her hat and did the same, dropping it to the floor. The doors dinged as they closed and Max pressed a lower floor.

"Well?" She said. "Here to finish the job or just stand there and look pretty?"

Sai'ira's eyes lit up (literally) as she threw the first punch.

"Yeah no, service was shit. Didn't even get my coffee, I asked a turian and she was all like 'what's that? teehee' fucking bitch it's the service industry if you don't know what coffee is...well yeah I got it but still-oh shit!"

The business woman was interrupted when a dent came from the elevator door causing her to jump and spill her drink.

Sai'ira pulled her fist out of the door, realizing the Elevator had now stopped moving due to a breach. Having her biotic punch redirected Sai'ira quickly felt two strikes to her side, the asari was surprised that Max was fast enough to dodge her biotic punch however it's not impossible to do. She pushed Max away from her and to the other side of the elevator. They met once again in the middle, Max throwing a right jab, Sai'ira bobbed to the left following with an upper cut to her jaw, Sai'ira then held Max's hand in mid air with a small stasis field and kneed her in the stomach, following it up with a kick to the head releasing the stasis field Sai'ira felt pressure on the back of her head like someone was pressing with two fingers rather gently but with purposeas focusing on precision biotics took more of a tole on the body.

Max propped herself up on the gold railing that ran across the center of the window. Sai'ira grabbed her by the shirt, hoisting her up against the window the dark-skinned human looked dazed.

"Alright, You give up?"

Max let out a few breaths before grabbing the Sai'iras two bottom hair tentacles and pulled her in for a head butt, Sai'ira felt a searing pain on both sides of her head and for a moment there were two Maxes...Maxi? Maxines? Anyway she felt the pressure building in her spine as she focused her arms, biotically propelling her right arm towards the second Max, she missed wildly and sent her hand through the glass, shattering it with her wrist leaving a dent in the railing. Shepard immediately clutched her hand and backed away. She stopped seeing in twos and saw Max telegraph a kick, instinctively and with great speed the asari was able to step on the humans foot before she could lift it deflecting a counter punch with her free hand her elbow now in striking range of Max's nose and with that followed by a hammer strike once again directly on the nose Max fell back towards the railing. Sai'ira reached out to pull her back however Max seemed to have another idea and ended up pulling Sai'ira down with her.

"You bitch." Sai'ira said, as she swore she heard Max laugh as they fell over the edge. Sai'ira didn't have time to react as they spun in mid air hitting a banner on their way down that stretched across the center of the circular drop and got a little tangled Shepard heard gasps and screams as she remained silent, they say your life flashes before your eyes but all she could feel was a strange yet all to familiar tingling nerve pain on her skin. She couldn't move but on the bright side she couldn't fall either, seeing the biotic that saved her as the two were floated off to safety onto the eighth floor. They were both dropped a foot from the ground and Sai'ira instantly grabbed her wrist which had begun to swell. As soon as she sat up she found a gun in her face, again.

"I can explain wont cover this will it?" She looked around amd saw multiple security guards approaching and simply laid back down. "Can I at least get medical first?"