I really enjoyed writing this scene ! If you ever want to hear a little something that inspired me the spaceport part, I strongly recommand you to listen to Treasure Planet Soundtrack - Track 07 : To The Spaceport on Youtube ! I really like the majesty of it :)
Anyways, back to story ! In this one I introduce Kaesh, an ''important'' character !
Luna awoke with a jump, startled by some noise she heard around her. The room was already bathing with sunlight, announcing another wonderful day.
The Human stretched her arms and back, feeling her stress going away little by little. Then she decided to investigate the source of the noise, discovering that Javik was no longer lying on the bedroom's ground. She saw movement in the kitchen and it was with surprise that she discovered the Prothean looking for something in the kitchen cabinets.
``What are you doing?`` Shepard questioned, puzzled.
Javik didn't jump in fear by the sound of her voice, having already guessed her presence.
``I'm looking for plates. You can sit in the meantime.``
Luna complied, moving to the table, a confused smile on her lips:
``You know how to cook?``
``Shepard, don't insult me. I'm a soldier, not a female who takes care of ridiculous tasks. I bought some things, it's not the same.``
``Your opinion on females is very primitive, my dear Javik. I'm not a good cook, which is also the case of several other women,`` Luna grumbled.
``That is not my problem,`` he said, then giving a plate which content surprised Shepard.
There were fruits, but their colors were not familiar. A kind of large pear, red, striped with paler lines, was surrounded by small yellow berries. Luna looked at her plate, confused.
``Can I eat that?``
Javik looked at her with a bored look:
``Of course. I would even say it would be better if you eat this rather than the disgusting food that was found in your cycle. Human dishes are awful and too salty.``
``I agree to a certain point; Alliance rations are not appetizing!``
At the end of her sentence, Shepard took the pear, examining it a few moments and then dared to taste it. She was pleasantly surprised by its subtle taste that reminded her of vanilla, its flesh tender and perfectly juicy. With her mouth full, she made a noise of appreciation, looking at Javik with big eyes, wanting to express her approval.
The Prothean could not help laughing.
``You react like a child! … I hope at least you won't make me feel too ashamed today.``
***
Having dressed in casual clothes, the duo decided to start visiting the spaceport, as Javik had downloaded a map of the city in his omni-tool. Luna put on her black cape, fitting the hood on her head, and went with the Prothean, looking forward to meeting this new world.
The street was crowded with pedestrians who were busy with their daily tasks. Cries of merchants, laughter of children, never Luna had felt much life, even on the Citadel – a place that had always seemed cold and detached to her. Everything was alive on a planet, even its ground, and that was what made the people more … alive, she thought for herself.
Walking alongside Javik, she brought a request:
``Tell me about the other races. Who are they?``
They passed a being whose height reached almost to the Human's shoulders. It was covered with short fur, had big eyes and big ears pricked up at the sky. His face reminded her of a mixture of a cat and a fox-strange mix - giving it a lively and attentive look.
``This is a Zha, a breed that is said to be gifted in everything that is mechanic and technology. They are the ones who will create the Zha'til, robots, who will rebel against them. I do not know if they have already started to create them at this time, but they still remain stupid for the sole idea of creating artificial intelligence.``
A new pedestrian caught Luna's eyes. He was very tall and built. But what kept most of the Human's attention was his appearance: a scaly skin and some horns coming out of his head, a long tail, serpentine, which, combined with its long snouted face, gave him the appearance of a reptile.
``An Oravores. I would call them copies of the Batarians from your cycle. Most are pirates or illegal merchants. I hate them; they have tried to rob my ship when I was in war against the Reapers. Idiots with muscles, that's what they are.``
Javik then drew the other's attention to a new creature:
``And here's a Densorin, a race as stupid as their feet! They are at war against the Oravores since their first space travel. They believe themselves to be smarter than anyone else. I say their vanity will kill them before anyone else.``
The Densorin was a strange species. His body, of a cream color, was thin and long, same for his members. His neck was obviously stretched on purpose as metal rings were surrounding it. His long face, then perched high, made him looks both serene and snooty, his four black eyes staring and looking at everything around him. He looked really smart in some way.
Then a new figure appeared.
``Ah, an Enduromi,`` announced Javik with pleasure. ``A race that is worth fighting against or with. They won their war against the Vandomar race. I don't think we will see a Vandomar soon on this planet. The Enduromis are powerful biotic warriors! I often fought with them, they are brilliant tacticians.``
The Enduromi's face was very similar to a Human or Asari, the only difference being the back of his head that went on a long protuberance whirling on itself. His skin was orange, lines and patterns of different colors adorned his face and other parts not hidden by clothing.
``I don't think we'll also see Ditakurs,`` added the Prothean. ``They are in a remote part of the galaxy, heavily monitored by the Empire, since they exterminated the Synrils. But when the Reapers will begin to attack, they will have a chance to escape. Many will combine with the Oravores, which is not a mix we want.``
Then Javik stopped walking, watching a new scene that brought him a smile.
``Finally, something that is familiar to me!``
Luna followed his gaze and saw with delight the new location; the spaceport. A large and broad alley longed the sea. The vessels, like boats, were resting on the water, docking and delivering its crews using gateways.
The machines were huge, almost all as big as the Normandy SR2 itself.
Shepard could not help muttering a ``Wow`` watching this beautiful view. The sea breeze had awakened the senses of the Human, bringing her a new joy.
The Prothean pressed her to move with him toward a counter where there was several vessels company representatives. The one Javik encountered, a Zha, seemed unimpressed by his presence.
``Welcome to spaceport number 4 of Adu Phesh,`` he began in a casual tone. ``How can I help you?``
``I want to give my name so that I can have the right to hire a crew and have access to a vessel of the Empire.``
``Okay, your name is?`` the Zha said, approaching a screen and a keyboard at his side.
``I'm not registered in the archives of the Empire.``
The representative looked surprised for a few seconds. He began to laugh:
``Who do you think you are? A Prothean non-registered in the archives is a dead Prothean! You think I'm going to beat the system only for you? I don't know what's happening with you, buddy, but I prefer to follow the rules.``
Javik suddenly grabbed the Zha by his collar, approaching him a few inches from his face.
``Listen, `buddy`, I'm here to stop a problem that will soon kill more than half of the people living here. I command you to register me.``
``It's not because you're a Prothean that I must fulfill your every whims,`` replied the other. ``You better let me go or I'll call security!``
``It will not be necessary, I'll deal with the situation,`` announced a new voice.
All turned their gaze to the source; a new Prothean who had just appeared. He was tall and elegant, his skin varying in yellow and green tones, which came out well with his black and gold armor. His eyes captivated the Human's attention; they were of an electrifying shade of blue.
Javik released the Zha, turning to the newcomer. He gave a short bow.
``Commander.``
Luna looked at him with surprise.
``He didn't even presented himself!`` she exclaimed.
Javik showed his hand to her:
``Sensory ability, have you forgotten? I feel many things in the air and on people. This Prothean expires power.``
``Impressive,`` began the other Prothean. ``It is fascinating to hear a different language coming from the mouth of a fellow comrade.``
``My apologies,`` Javik replied in his native language. ``My … associate does not speak perfectly Prothean.``
``Oh, I think quite the contrary, I was at the Senate yesterday, among the councilors, and I thought she was doing very well despite not being part of any registered breed of the Empire.``
He finally bowed back:
``I'm Commander Kaesh, in service to the Senate. I heard your story and I want to believe you.``
He turned to the Zha, who straightened at the mere sight of the Commander.
``I want to register this Prothean under my name. If any vessels have questions, I want them to ask me. He is entitled to all the privileges; he is facing a great mission.``
``Of course, Commander Kaesh,`` complied the representative, already typing on his keyboard.
The Prothean motioned the duo to follow him, still talking as they walked:
``I'm starting to be intrigued by this Reaper story. If there's one thing I firmly believe is that our galaxy will never be completely at peace. I am ready to give my support to your cause, Commander Javik. If it may be possible to prevent this terrible war and emerge from it stronger, I'll do everything in my power to bring you any missing resources.``
``This offer is so generous, Commander,`` Javik added. ``I did not expect such generosity from someone from the Senate, no offense.``
``The great Senator prefers to remain blind to the threat of a great conflict. For her, the Empire can surpass everything and nothing can destroy it. However, I can understand her reluctance and she would prefer not cause any panic among the people if this conflict only happens several years later.``
``Then why do you believe us?`` Luna asked.
Kaesh stopped, watching the Human with a smile.
``I believe I have information related to the Reapers. I'm not very sure, but surely that if I show it to you, you will be able to tell me if it is useful or not.``
``Why not show the information to scientists?`` asked Javik.
``Only so they could steal it from me? That would be a silly idea. No, I was waiting for people like you to make their appearance! ... I could organize a little soirée at my place. I would regroup people and military officers of importance so that you could meet them and create potential alliances. I would show you the information at the same time. Together we will find a solution to stop the Reapers.``
``Thank you for your support, Commander Kaesh,`` concluded Javik, performing a new bow. ``I am happy to finally find some light in this darkness.``
``The pleasure is mine. I will contact you when the preparations are finalized. Commander Javik, Commander Shepard, I wish you a nice day.``
On this, the Prothean vanished, leaving the duo at the docks.
Luna crossed her arms, displaying a triumphant smile.
``Well, everything is getting great it seems!``
``Maybe, but I still am on my guard,`` added Javik. ``I'm certainly happy with this, but it seems too easy.``
``On second thought, I agree to this point. You always have to expect to give something in return for a service of this kind.
``This will be for the future to decide. We shouldn't lose our vigilance, Shepard, that's all I ask for.``
***
What a day!
Luna had greatly enjoyed her day so far. Discovering shops, some history parts of Prothean civilization and new dishes, the Human felt enriched, facing this new knowledge. One of the dishes she tasted and made her laugh was a piece of fish, called Ohsu, its taste strangely remembering her of chicken. She had laughed, without bad intentions, announcing to Javik that Garrus had once mentioned that everyone thought everything tasted like chicken in the galaxy. She could not help but burst out laughing, truly facing this fact.
The two agreed to taking a break, sitting at the edge of a large fountain which a statue of a Prothean war hero took place in its center. The sun was slowly setting down on the horizon, delivering hues of orange and pink in the sky. Shepard, gazing at this vast ceiling, sighed, attracting Javik's eyes.
``Something bothering you?`` he asked, to the Human's surprise.
``No, not really. I just feel good, it's so strange.``
``Strange? In what sense?``
Luna looked down at the other, showing a small smile.
``Strange in a sense that it's so quiet and I'm surprised to see you so serene and changed somehow. After that day, we could say that the Reapers attack will never happen. In brief, you give me that impression ...``
``It is true that I feel less stressed and angry in this environment. I'm back to my people and it soothes me. Seeing all these people in peace, without danger or anything to scare them... I feel a great serenity I had never known before. No trace of fear or aggression in the air, it is relaxing.``
He saw Shepard look down, her smile fading from her face. Javik dared to reach out to her hand, holding it without warning. He suddenly felt fear, shame and sadness. The Human was strongly thinking about the Normandy and its crew which she had left behind. She feared that they would lose the battle and die against the Reapers. Javik cut the link, tightening a little his grip on the other's hand.
``Shepard, you do not have to fear for their future. If we can destroy the Reapers in this cycle, the ones from yours will disappear!``
``I am very happy and I wish for such an outcome,`` Luna replied with a fake smile. ``But ... will I be able to see my friends again one day? Joker, Garrus, Tali, Liara, Wrex, everyone ... it's only at this moment that I realize they are very important to me and I miss them a lot.``
``We will find a solution, Shepard. If my people could find a way to go back, there are surely ways to return to your cycle as well.``
Luna also tightened her grasp on the Prothean's hand in return. Even if his supportive behavior was a surprise to her, she was happy to have been able to talk about this to Javik.
The Prothean, on his side, seriously doubted his words, unsure of being able to find a way to bring back Shepard in her cycle. But ... he had nothing to lose by trying.