Chapter 41: Gunn, Solomon Gunn

Jack finally realized why he always found an excuse to avoid official functions in the Alliance whenever possible, he hated the uniforms. While the tuxedo Kasumi 'borrowed' for him fit surprisingly well, it still wasn't what he was used to. When he wasn't in his armor, Jack liked to wear a casual shirt and pants. The tux was stuffy and made him look far more important than he felt. On the other hand, the suit she got for Kal looked nice. It was entirely black and gray except for the sleeves which were see through plastic. It gave everyone a nice view of Kal's toned purple arms, however, he could tell Kal hated it even with his helmet on. The way his arms were folded and his overall body language said everything.

Kal tilted his red and blue helmet towards him, "I feel so naked wearing this thing. Who thought it was a good idea to make Quarian suits with see through bits? It goes against our culture."

Jack chuckled and wrapped his arms around Kal's stomach from behind, "You have no problem wanting to be naked around me when we're alone. I think it looks good on you."

Kal took his hands in his own causing their rings to rub together, "I know I can technically wear Human clothes if I wanted to but, since we started wearing the suits we've only shown off to our significant others. It's a cultural thing."

Jack tried not to laugh and smiled at him in the mirror, "It's not like your showing anything scandalous off Kal, just your nice handsome arms. You and Zero should have something to talk about though."

It was Kal's turn to laugh, "I already wished Kasumi luck trying to convince Zero to come along at all let alone wear something as fancy as the rest of us."

He glanced at their reflection in the mirror and noticed almost immediately he could see the oxygen tubing coming off of Kal's helmet and back into his suit. Normally, Kal would always wear the hood over his helmet to keep it hidden. There was still red markings on the suit and his actual helmet so he couldn't have been afraid that it wouldn't have matched anything else. Jack had a feeling that was the real reason he felt naked and uncomfortable. The tubing made him look more mechanical then he really was. Maybe the tubes contributed to the rumors that all Quarians were at least partially synthetic.

Jack let him go but tilted his head, "Where's your hood?"

Kal cleared his throat, "I...can't wear it for the mission. For one thing, it would make me more recognizable especially with you. And usually only females wear it as a way to tell males they're interested. If there are any Quarian exiles at this party, I don't want them knowing I'm gay."

Jack gave him a sympathetic smile, "I don't think you need to worry about impressing anyone here Kal, they're all murderers and other bad things according to Kasumi. It's up to you though.. Come on, let's go see the others."

Although Jack and Kal didn't enjoy dressing up, he had to admit the others looked pretty fashionable. Garrus was the first person to stand out to him since he had never seen the Turian out of his armor before. The Turian was wearing a casual yet form fitting blue and black military suit that was only marred by the bandages still on the side of his face from the napalm attack. It was hard to see Mandaria as Vetra right now since she was wearing her old Talon mercenary armor and missing the new purple facepaint. Kasumi was wearing the same black suit she always wore probably because she had a stealth field generator installed. She might not have wanted to bother with designing it onto a new suit for one occasion. He couldn't help but smile for Kal when he saw Zero waiting for them as well, and she had a dress on. It was white and revealed more than he was comfortable with but, by Zero's standards it was extremely modest.

Vetra was giving Garrus an awkward smile, "Th.. Thanks for doing this on such short notice. And for not yelling at me for being revealed to the criminal underworld as still being alive and well."

Garrus shrugged looking down at his outfit, "Ehh gives me an excuse to wear this thing for once. I'm kind of responsible for Sidera getting taken in the first place so I'm not going to complain."

Vetra shook her head quickly, "No your not, you were just following intel from a trusted source. It's my fault for keeping Sid so close to me instead of taking her off Omega. Both of you need to quit taking the blame for me being a bad big sister."

Kal glanced at Zero, giving her a subtle nod, "You look nice Jack."

Zero was glaring at him, "Ha, no I don't. I look like one of those obnoxious kids that think they're so precious going to prom with their cute little boyfriends. It's disgusting, I'm just looking forward to the fucking alcohol."

Jack couldn't help but smile just a little, she hadn't called him any names. "So Kasumi, how are we going to do this?"

She was tapping her foot and looking at her omni tool, "Hold on, we're still missing Tali. I hope she isn't backing out because of the dress. It was designed by Irit Non herself."

Zero rolled her eyes and seemed restless, "I'd have more respect for the sparky little thing if she didn't wear whatever it is. I highly doubt it's badass like you said mine was going to be."

Tali's nervous voice came behind them, "Sorry I'm late, I had to lock myself in the decontamination chamber to change and not get sick. How do I look..?"

They all turned to face her and Jack was more then a little impressed by the designer. Without having seen Tali in person, they had been able to make the perfect 'dress' for her. It was a standard environmental suit except large portions of the actual pink suit were cut away in exchange for the see through plastic. Her darker purple arms and legs were exposed as well as around her neck down to the top of her chest. She seemed extra nervous since she was bouncing up and down on her heels and she was playing with her hands. Jack had no idea why she would be so nervous for showing off, she was a beautiful woman. Garrus was staring with his mandibles bouncing against his face showing he was embarrassed.

Garrus shifted on one foot and only Jack could hear the tiny rumbling whisper, "Beautiful..." He coughed and tensed speaking aloud, "You look good but I mean I think I'm rocking the military uniform a lot better."

Tali stood next to him, "Do you have to be such a bosh'tet all the time? Your supposed to just stop after you look good."

Kasumi pulled up a map of what had to be Hock's estate and displayed it between all of them, "We're all here so let's go over what we're doing when we land. Shep, Vetra and I will focus on getting into the vault. The rest of you just need to be our eyes and ears at the party. For example, if security starts leaving the ballroom, I want to know about it. Otherwise, just pretend your their for the party and enjoy yourselves. I suggest pairing up though, the people inside won't hesitate to drug any of you and throw you over their shoulders if your not paying attention."

Garrus looked down in Tali's direction, "Maybe you could be Archangel's date to the ball? Prove he isn't always the brooding loner people think he is."

Tali laughed and tilted her head, "You haven't read the comic at all have you? All of Archangel's girlfriends get killed by that creepy jester character."

Garrus had a joking tone as he smiled at her, "Most of them yeah, but he does marry that feline thief lady remember?"

Tali elbowed his arm playfully, "The one that literally leaves him at the alter? And wait a minute...you just called me a thief! Your a racist bos-"

Joker interrupted them over the speaker, "We've just entered Bekenstein's atmosphere Commander and whaddya know, it's actually kind of a pretty place. We'll be dropping in thirty seconds."

Kal timidly walked towards Zero, "I guess that makes us the other pair, unless you just want me to stare at you across the room to make sure your ok?"

Zero groaned and glared at the wall, "If they're 'playing' being boyfriend and girlfriend I guess we can pretend your my adoptive father or something.."

Jack gave everyone a serious expression, "I just want to remind everyone that you might see or hear things at this party that you might be disgusted by. You cannot engage with these people or call them out understood? This mission depends on us getting in and out of the vault without any combat." When everyone nodded, he started heading towards the airlock, "Just keep your eyes open and be careful."

The door opened and Jack realized what Joker had meant. Bekenstein was a water world for as far as the eye could see on this clear day. The surface of the bright blue water was dotted with white marble specs on the horizon that Jack could only assume were estates similar to the one they had just landed on. There were three multi-cruiser landing pads surrounding the estate all full of exotic ships he was used to seeing on Omega. He had to wonder why this Donovan Hock would pay who knows how many credits for the landing pads when the estate itself didn't seem that big. Then again, Hock was a smuggler and might enjoy plenty of options for escape routes.

Even without having been shown a picture of Hock, he could instantly identify him at the front door. The Human had slick dark hair and a broad smile as he greeted guests and their gifts at the door. He was like a child at their graduation party and was selfish about the gifts he was receiving, no thank yous or pleasantries. Just a smile and a nod and being told to enjoy the party. He felt Vetra slow to a stop beside him and he wasn't sure why until he looked to the front of the line. Aria T'Loak herself was at the front of the line giving Hock some sort of box. With Vetra not in her disguise, Aria would easily recognize her as Mandaria. As far as Jack knew, the two women hadn't even communicated since the incident with Archangel. He was about to pull them off to the side to come up with a plan B but, Kasumi kept marching forward with the statue like nothing had changed.

Donovan turned away from Aria to look at the golden statue of Saren that Kasumi was pushing forward, "Well this is quite impressive, I know just where this will go in my vault."

Aria lingered next to him eyeing it up and down, "The browplates are not right, too thick and crooked."

Vetra stood stiffly and had a sarcastic tone, "It's not like the artist have the real thing to go off of anymore."

Hock looked between the two women and gave a strange laugh, "Oh, I had no idea you would both be here tonight. I only urge you both to not start fighting until after the auction."

Jack was put off balance when Aria gave Hock a smile, "I wouldn't dream of it, Omega needs more dancing girls. Especially Turian ones, we need the variety."

On the surface, Aria was telling the truth, she believed Omega and more specifically Afterlife needed more dancing girls. He remembered from his brief time in the club that Asari were the dominant employees, so maybe she did think they needed more variety. However, the way she was smiling at him and her tone were cold as ice. Hock was an absolute idiot if he couldn't tell that Aria hated his guts. She also wasn't making any comments about him and Kal being here despite obviously knowing exactly who they were. What was she really doing here? It wasn't to celebrate Donovan Hock and his criminal achievements that's for sure.

Vetra was moving about seemingly more nervous than Tali was with a dress, "I didn't know you were a fan of Turians. Too many sharp edges."

Aria kept her arms folded and had a defensive stance overall, "When they're not jumping to conclusions because they listened to vigilantes they can have a soft center."

Donovan grabbed the statue and grinned in her direction, "I might have to come by Afterlife one of these days if you start getting other species."

One of his guards stopped him from bringing the statue inside, "Just one moment, sir. There seems to be an issue with the statue."

Knowing their armor and weapons were inside, Jack jumped in, "Is there a problem here? I paid good credits for that thing."

The guard glared at him with a hostile expression, "No, Mr. Gunn. Just doing a scan, which is my job."

Donovan jolted just now having noticed him after watching the back and forth between the women, "Ah Mr. Gunn, I'm sorry I don't believe we've met. Donovan Hock. And who is your partner here?" He motioned to the rings on his and Kal's fingers.

Kal was struggling to come up with a fake name when Aria surprisingly interrupted him, "Hock I'm disappointed, I thought you'd recognize the Golo vas Nedas. He's only the best slaver my side of the Terminus."

Hock gave him an apologetic nod, "I'm so sorry, I was told you died several weeks ago."

Kal had a gruff tone trying an impression of Golo, "It's alright, rumors of my demise have been greatly exaggerated."

Jack did his best to smile, "It's an honor to meet you Mr. Hock. I've always tried to look up to you in my gang and ask myself, what would Donovan Hock do?"

Hock feigned a humble smirk when really it was clear he enjoyed having his ego stroked, "Hahaha, you are too kind. And I have heard a lot about you. You've been very busy lately, if the extranet is to be believed."

Aria grinned showing off her teeth and was staring directly at Garrus, "I can't vouch for Mr. Gunn here but, Archangel.. He did almost kill me, just because he listened to a Batarian hacker. How'd that turn out for you?"

Garrus stared right back at her, "Given the circumstances, I think it went pretty well thank you."

The guard was glaring at his omni tool as if it had done something to offend him, "Sir, the scanners aren't picking anything up. It's like there's nothing there. I'd suggest we keep them out here while we check for a cloaking device."

Jack tensed trying not to worry about everything that was happening. It was bad enough that Aria was here to complicate things, but now there was a possibility they were going to have to try to break into the vault without weapons and armor. Sure, the original plan was to get in and out without firing a single shot, his plans never went smoothly though. He risked a subtle look in Kasumi's direction to see if this had been accounted for but, she was staying perfectly still and refused to look back. She must've assumed that he would be receiving too many gifts from all of the party members to scan each item. Kasumi had underestimated him but to be fair, he would've too if this was how Hock behaved in social circles.

Donovan started activating his own omni tool, "Hmm, that's strange. Let me check it myself to give Solomon here the benefit of the doubt."

Aria rolled her eyes and grabbed his arm, "Oh come on now Donovan, I don't think your guests would come all the way here from Illium just to cause trouble. Do you?"

Donovan sighed and gave the statue one last suspicious eye, "I suppose your right. You may pass through, Mr. Gunn. With my apologies, but I will ask that your Japanese companion to remain outside. You understand, I hope?"

Jack felt relieved they got inside without incident up until the moment Hock asked for Kasumi to stay outside. They could've reluctantly adapted to not having access to their weapons and armor but, not Kasumi. She was the whole reason they got the lead to be here, this was her plan. From Aria's uncomfortable and impatient expression, he was able to tell that she wasn't going to be able to get them out of this one. His first response was to threaten to leave with the statue but, the firey determined look in Hock's eye made it clear he would call Jack's bluff. That only left him with trying to argue the point as best he could without making Hock too angry.

He tried not to sound furious but at the same time knew Kasumi needed to be inside with them, "No, I don't understand. She slaved for hours creating the art and she should be recognized for it. What's the problem?"

Donovan seemed to get more angry and he raised his voice, "I don't like the look of your 'friend,' so she stays outside. Simple as that."

Jack had a cold stare and pretended to threaten to slap her, "You heard him, get back on the ship slave, or I will whip you again!"

Kasumi was a great actress and appeared to shrink with a submissive tone, "Y...yes master, please don't hurt me."

As she started to run off Kal gave a fake laugh, "You'll have to excuse my partner here. He doesn't partially skin his slaves to keep them in line like I do."

Donovan readjusted his jacket looking flustered, "Yes well, it's good to see we're not going to have a problem. Now let me take the rest of you inside so we can start enjoying the party."

Having no idea what else to do, Jack followed Hock into the estate. He wasn't a master thief, how was he going to be able to identify where this vault was, let alone knowing how to break into it? That question was going to have to wait for the time being as Jack absorbed his surroundings and just how afluent Hock was. The living room was massive with a water fountain in the center filled with jelly fish glowing brightly. The reflection of the glow gave the appearance of a lightshow on the raised ceilings. Directly behind the water fountain was a large dance floor filled with seemingly normal people. A bar with enough alcohol for an army was to his immediate left while a hallway went down to a locked door to his right. That had to be where the vault was right?

Kasumi's voice came to them in their ear pieces, "Well, that didn't go as expected. Good job acting though Shep, you should go to improv school."

Vetra looked down at her feet and whispered as quietly as she could, "Kasumi, if he recognized you we're done and fucked. Do you think he knew who you were?"

Kasumi laughed and Jack heard the subtle echo somewhere to their left, "Do you honestly always worry about everything I do? No. We've never seen each other in person. And no one knows what I look like. He's just watching his ass, I'm sure. I can't blame him."

Jack watched as Aria and Hock wandered over to the bar, "How are we going to play this now? I'm not you."

Kasumi regained her composure and had a serious tone, "We go on with the plan. You'll just have to do all the talking. I'll stay out of sight and stick with you the best I can. Look for anyway we can get to a basement and we're halfway there. We'll keep radio contact in case something goes wrong."

Jack certainly didn't like it but, he had to play with the hand he was dealt. Somewhere below them right now were multiple teenagers about to be sold to the highest bidder. He had to find them before it was too late.