College Effect Redux

Chapter 4

Two weeks had passed, blessedly uneventful as far as her brother was concerned. Liara had joined Jane and Garrus for their hand to hand tutoring sessions, and the two young women had improved immensely, moving from "definitely going to fail this class" to the solid middle of the pack. Professor Wrex had been impressed with their overall progress and even moreso by Jane. He had come to her after class just this most recent period and asked her permission to put her up for an award. "Shepard," he had growled, his baritone vibrating her organs, "I can see you're going to be a contender for most improved non-biotic." He had glanced over with a sneer at the biotics receiving special instruction from an Asari Commando. "I need your written release to keep a video log of your performance to submit at the end of semester." She had been ecstatic, though she hadn't yet told anyone.

Now she was sitting on the springy-not-in-a-good-way couch, forehead wrinkled as she struggled with the nuances of Asari literature, and tried to ignore the banging her brother was making. "What are you even DOING?" she called out. His muffled response indicated he could possibly be suffocating to death. With a sigh, she heaved herself up and walked down the tiny hallway to stand in front of his door. An extra loud bang from inside precluded her knocking and she thrust open the door, to instant regret. "Oh geez, what the hell are you doing?!" She swiftly turned her back but not before getting an eyeful of nude brother with a towel over his face, back to the storage unit.

She heard the wet towel, because of course it was wet, smack the floor and her brother stand and pull up the jeans that had previously been around his ankles. "Ummmm, well you see, Ash told me about this ancient way of… you know, like pores and softening and making your hair softer, and what not. And we have a date in a bit, and I thought maybe I should test it out while I got dressed, and that was probably a bad idea, but I think it really did help soften up the stubble. I guess I could have done it sooner." Jane rolled her eyes at his explanation, and shook her head as he finished lamely.

"I'mmmmm just going to go over here back to studying." She pulled the door closed behind her – firmly thank you very much – and took the three steps back to the living where she stared at the couch that was quickly becoming her nemesis. With a huff, she picked up her textbook and moved to the microtable chair that was just as uncomfortable-but-in-a-different-way-so-it-was-better-right-now, and sat with a long groan. She was supposed to be young dammit! John's door opened, and he exited still pulling on his tee shirt. "Where are you headed? Were you going to get any of your work done?"

"Oh, no worries about any of that homework stuff. I convinced my profs and fellow students that maybe just tests should be counted." He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously and flashed his notorious grin. "Also maybe that grading on a curve would make them look way better. Ash and I are headed to some poetry reading or something." He finished with a hand wave, dismissive of the poetry.

"Wow, you must really like her." This was a rare time, when Jane had no snappy comeback for her twin. She could usually pull something out, but John was going to a POETRY READING. This was unheard of.

"I do. It's weird." He flashed his grin again. "I'm going to head out. We're meeting at the shuttle stop in fifteen minutes. Not sure when I'll be back. Don't wait up!" He waved out a tiny salute and left, impish grin still in place.

Jane opened her textbook, and let out a growl of frustration as her stomach chimed in that schoolwork could wait. There was nothing to eat. Studying had been the number one focus for the week. Grunting with disgust, Jane grabbed her meal plan chit from the counter, and headed out the door. It was only at the stairwell that she realized she was still in pajamas, which normally wouldn't be cause for alarm, but the short shorts were a little too short, since she had also neglected her laundry this past week.

"Argh, you need to get it together," she mumbled as she turned back towards the apartment, which she also had forgotten to lock. Several minutes later, hair brushed and up, running pants and tee shirt that were at least clean on, she grabbed her chit again and double checked that she was indeed ready to actually leave this time. A sharp rap on the door brought her focus outward again.

She opened the door expecting Liara or perhaps her neighbor coming to complain after the banging had of course stopped. Instead there was a human in a suit, a businessman puffed up with own importance. That or John was in major trouble with the school and this was their University appointed lawyer. He looked rather sharky. "Can I help you?" Jane asked cautiously.

"Good afternoon! Are you Jane Shepard, colonial transplant?" She barely held in her snort at the word transplant.

"Uhhh, yeah?" Jane hesitated, suspicion filling her.

"It's so wonderful to meet you!" He enthusiastically offered his hand, and Jane stared at it for a moment, only taking it when the point of rude came up. His excitement heightened her suspicion until her gut was roiling. She pulled her hand back gingerly. :I'm a representative of Intatek, a company that is on the forefront of innovative design. Our policy is 'The best and brightest minds for the best and brightest future'." He flourished a gesture that nearly slapped her in the nose, then proceeded talking with nary an apologetic glance. "I'm a part of the recruitment division, and our records indicate that you are a top candidate to be a part of our team!" He flourished again and then smiled expectantly.

"What do you even do?" She blurted out the question, and he started talking about himself before she correct the question.

"Oh that's easy! I get files and make first contact with potential recruits. Im the sole Citadel representative. We're so exclusive in recruitment that occasionally I got months without being able to chat with potentials, although this year we have more than ever before! Exciting times let me tell you! As I said, Intatek is really only interested in the best and the brightest, the top tier that show work ethic and enthusiasm. We understand that you are going to be nominated for several student awards, and initial surveys indicate that you are dedicated to being a top student. It's for this reason we would like to invite you to our private recruitment seminar, here on the Citadel. Free meals (Jane's traitorous stomach took this moment to growl excitedly) complimentary gift bags, and if you decide that Intatek is right for you, tuition buyouts and sign on bonuses that will leave you speechless."

"And where did you get this information? It's only week three of school, isn't that too early for your people to decide who is the right candidate?"

He flushed red. "Im not at liberty to discuss our sources obviously."

Jane grunted. "That means "obtained illegally". You should leave before I call USec. You're obviously not a resident in this building (she sneered at his clothes) so you should leave." She attempted to close the door and his body wormed in so it thudded back open.

"Wait! You should give us a chance! If you work hard for the company, they will work hard for you! We can't be beat!"

"I'm calling security now. I don't appreciate your pushiness and I am not interested." She was definitely not interested in anything Intatek now. Forcing the door closed, she leaned back against it and took several deep, steadying breaths. Another set of raps at the door caused her to swing it open with more force than was necessary. "I thought I said to – KAIDAN! What are you doing here? I thought you were someone else." She blushed at the social gaffe, and he held his hands up in a gesture that said it's ok.

"Hi… I'm sorry. I just got done declining a poetry reading, and as much as I do love poetry (that was sarcasm Jane thought), I really couldn't stand to see your brother and Ashley…. Cuddling." Obviously not his first choice of word, and Jane laughed. "Anyway, John mentioned you might be hungry, and I thought maybe I could take you to this noodle place. Supposedly the best in the galaxy!" He grinned his winning smile.

Jane hesitated, thoughts clanging around like alarm bells, each louder than the last. Resolving to actually make friends this semester, she decided to accept his offer. "OK, that sounds really good. Im starving." She breathed out a laugh as her stomach growled loudly in agreement with the declaration.

Kaidan grinned. "Great. So who were you expecting?"

"I'll tell you all about on the way over. This guy was a creep!" She locked up, and they started walking, side by side, not too close.