Chapter 2: Welcoming Party
Theed, Naboo
Theed Royal Hospital
Eight days later
Ignoring the happy party goers around him, the sound of laughter and the clink of glasses, Panaka kept his silent vigil. He was worried, and not for the obvious reasons he had expected. Casually watching Shepard speaking with some of her crew from a respectful distance, the ex-Republic special forces soldier quietly took the Commander in. While Shepard projected a calm, relaxed determination to her crewmates, Panaka could see the uncertain woman underneath. The one who was in over way her head and knew it.
In the first two days after their mysterious arrival, they had tended to the Normandy's wounded. Naboo's people had also arranged proper burial ceremonies for two of their own. Panaka would remember the twin pyres for the rest of his life, not because of the dead crew members themselves since other than their names, he hadn't known anything about them, but because of what their Commander had said during the eulogy. It was the closest he had seen her come to outright tears, even as her green eyes misted over as Privates Westmoreland and Campbell were put to the torch. This was a woman who expected more of herself, to never fail her crew, no matter how impossibly high the odds stacked against her. And the respect and loyalty of that same crew under her command was astounding, beyond anything Panaka could have ever imagined. So tight knit were these people that thoughts of minor worries such as possibly being the only member of their race in this entire galaxy, and for the crew at large, never seeing home again, seemed nonexistent where the well being of their fellow crew mates was concerned. They'd adapt, together, or not at all, and Panaka was willing to bet every credit he had that the chances of them not making it in their galaxy were slim to none.
That didn't make it any easier to see the, albeit well hidden, doubt and confusion in their eyes during the initial debriefings. In the last eight days, they had discovered that every known location he had shown them or told them about meant nothing to them and vice versa. Their Commander had taken the news of apparently being stranded in a completely different galaxy seemingly better than most of her crew, who had mostly cursed or thrown the nearest loose object they could find, among other things. All far more normal reactions in Panaka's humble opinion than the icy calm Shepard had imposed on herself from the moment Doctor Chakwas informed her of their lost crewmates. But after all the time he had spent with politicians who kept everything hidden behind a mask of indifference, he had learnt how to read people, and he didn't need a Jedi to tell him that Jessica Shepard was desperately trying to hold onto something familiar that just wasn't there.
He understood that the main problem was that she had no idea how to guarantee the safety of her crew in this unfamiliar territory, or find a way home, if one existed to begin with. The droid they called EDI, a name that suited her better than Enhanced Defense Intelligence, had been surprisingly informative. She had told him that their vessel, the Normandy, had escaped in the last moments of a battle that had decided the salvation or damnation of their entire galaxy, before inexplicably appearing over Naboo's skies. Now it looked like they would never know who won, since all attempts to contact their home galaxy had met with complete failure thus far. Panaka had the feeling that they'd find a way, eventually.
Panaka had patiently listened to a few of the other crew who had hesitantly answered a few of his questions after EDI had broken the unofficial code of silence that had hung in the air that first day. Panaka slowly shook his head, still having trouble with believing the tale they had told him. In the entire recorded history of their galaxy, no-one had ever attempted to eradicate all advanced life. The Sith tried more than once to enslave and conquer every civilization they could find, but had never attempted to destroy them all together. That, and the Jedi had always stopped them. If galactic history was accurate, then far too many wars had been fought because of the feud between these religions, as some saw the two highly secretive groups. Panaka briefly wondered if the Trade Federation's failed invasion attempt years earlier could have been related in some way. He had heard that the Zabrak they encountered in the hangar was supposedly a Sith, but hadn't given it much credence at the time. As far as everyone knew, the Sith had been extinct for centuries.
"Penny for your thoughts Captain?" Panaka turned to see one of the Normandy's crew giving him a sheepish smile as her glance flicked down to her boots before returning his curious gaze. "Sorry to startle you sir, but I never got the chance to thank you for, well, everything I suppose." She replied and rubbed the back of her neck before her arm fell back to her side.
"You're welcome, but I was my merely doing my duty. To be honest, I've lost track of how many times I've said that to your crewmates." He replied earnestly, and looked her over. The last time he had seen her, she had lain unconscious next to the elevator, until one of his men had taken care of her. "It's good to see you out of medical, but I'm afraid I never got your name miss?"
"Specialist Samantha Traynor, sir. We were never properly introduced." She said and offered her hand to him. "I believe you refering to me as 'that injured woman over there' while telling a private Haska to get his shebs moving was our only real interaction so far."
He allowed himself a brief smile before shaking her offered hand. "Captain Quarsh Panaka, but I am sure that someone already told you that." He was going to say more before he was interrupted by the beeping of his comlink. "Panaka here, what's the situation?"
"Sir, the Jedi have arrived. Senator Amidala is with them and she's... not in the most pleasant of moods concerning our security arrangements."
Panaka held back a sigh when he heard the news, Jedi he could handle, but Senator Amidala was famous for her stubbornness. She would undoubtedly insist on seeing the visitors as soon as possible, and knowing her, she would persuade the queen to let her do so within a heartbeat. Some of his apprehension must have shown on his face, because Traynor quickly spoke up. "Bad news?"
"No, not bad news. Senator Amidala, our representative in the Galactic Senate, and two Jedi, um renown peacekeepers I suppose you could call them, have arrived. The Senator is a kind and caring person, but she can be… stubborn. This could complicate things."
"Stubborn? She and the Commander should get along famously then." Traynor replied, a twinkle in her eyes which was set in a face that Panaka found mildly attractive, but he squashed that feeling flat as he led the way through the hospital complex. He didn't fail to notice that even after seven days of being out of the bacta tank, she was still wide eyed at her surroundings and its inhabitants. Despite being a partially isolated planet that didn't prefer a lot of outside interference, they still had visitors from every corner of the galaxy, and as such, the hospital was staffed by more than just humans. "Would it be wrong of me to say that I find this place absolutely fascinating?"
"Not at all." Panaka replied with a chuckle. "I've lived here all my life and I still see things that amaze and astound me." Just as they approached a set of turbo lifts, they were joined by two more of Traynor's companions. The self confessed master thief, Kasumi Goto, and the stoic blue skinned woman he had learned was an asari Justicar called Samara. "Ms. Goto, Ms. Samara." Panaka greeted them with a slight nod of his head.
"Heya Panaka. No female companionship for our dashing hero tonight?" Kasumi asked, her cheerful greeting matched by the spring in her step. It was certainly a step up from the last time he had seen her, a foot long piece of railing sticking out of her side.
"No ma'am. I'm technically still on duty, security for the party."
"Greetings Captain Panaka. I am in your debt." Samara said with a nod of her head, looking in far better health as well. "And Justicar or Samara will suffice. The asari are a monogender species, we aren't technically female, and as such, honorifics are not required."
"I'll remember that. No offense intended, Justicar." He tried to ignore the light chuckle from Kasumi at Panaka's apologetic response.
The ghost of a smile spread across Samara's pale blue lips. "It is a common misconception, and so no offense is taken. I acknowledge that we look the part of your human females, save for our head fringe and skin hue."
"Yup, our Samara here certainly is a lovely shade of blue, isn't she Captain? What color would you say it is? Azure maybe?" Even with her face partially obscured by the robe's hood, Panaka could tell that the thief's lips were uplifted into a grin that encompassed her entire face. Her grin was matched by Samara's slight frown, unaware of the innuendo that Kasumi had dropped between them.
Not knowing how best to answer that apparently loaded question without embarrassing himself or Samara, Panaka decided that distraction was a good tactic. "Indeed, and I think you'll find that there are many species native in this galaxy that are just as attractive in their own unique way."
Without missing a beat, Kasumi grinned up at the captain as they turned corner and continued down the hallway to a private dining area. "Probably not half as deadly as our personal Justicar though. Trust me, you don't want to make her angry. I once saw her rip a Banshee in half, all while wearing that rather distinctive armor of her's. I'm still finding bits of goop in my boots, and I once saw her plucking a bit of it from- "
"Kasumi, I am only going to ask this once. Please end your attempts to get the good Captain to 'flirt' with me. He is clearly uncomfortable with the idea."
"Aww, but it's so much fun."
"Kasumi…."
"Oh fine, party pooper." With that, Kasumi ran on ahead, flickering out of sight.
Panaka was just thankful he hadn't spit out his drink during their exchange and racked his brain for a proper compliment to give the stoic woman. "Um...just for the record ma'am, anyone here would be lucky to-"
"Please Captain, there is no need for you to 'sooth' my ego. I am far older than I appear, and as such, I have outgrown the need for such things. Even so, I appreciate your efforts."
Nodding in relief, Panaka downed his drink in one gulp. "Thank you Samara." The Justicar merely nodded her head in turn before leading the way to the dining hall that had been isolated per the Queen's orders for the crew's use. More than a few rooms had been set aside for them, so that they could become acclimatized to their new surroundings at their own pace.
From his spot by the door, Panaka wasn't all that surprised when Jeff 'Joker' Moreau was the first to open his mouth the moment he and Samara cleared the threshold. Not long after finally being released from her bacta treatment, Jessica Shepard had warned him about the pilot's sarcastic sense of humor. The fact the woman they called 'Jack' and the giant armor plated Grunt had short tempers didn't exactly surprise him though. "Just got Coded huh? Don't feel bad, probably half the crew had a crush on the leather sex goddess at some point."
"Excuse me? Moreau right? I'm surprised you'd speak about the Justicar like that, or that she'd let you for that matter."
"Nah, Samara's just a sexy blue teddy bear once you get to know her. Did I mention the sexy part?" Even when said 'teddy bear' started to glow a dark blue, Joker's smug smirk didn't disappear in the slightest. But Panaka's fears were short lived when she merely walked by and sat beside her fellow asari and the quarian, Tali. "See? Hot, yet harmless, for me anyway. Someone else said that, they'd probably be sponged up by now."
"You are a very brave man, I'll give you that Moreau. Dumb, but brave." Panaka replied with a shake of his head. He thought he had seen everything, yet these people still surprised him at every turn.
"He just knows what he can get away with." Ashley said with a brief grin, her back to the giant window that overlooked the serene city of Theed. "If he had said that about me for example, he'd be hobbling towards one of your med bays with a shattered knee by now."
"And that is why I don't tempt fate. So Cap'n Pancake, what's the news? We getting out of this comfy jail cell anytime soon?" Jeff was momentarily distracted as a pale green skinned twi'lek woman walked by with a suggestive wink. "On the other hand, the view's nice."
"Why, you in a hurry to find a hotel room for you and your sex bot, and that hot two head tailed gal outside, Joker? No offense EDI." Jack was quick to add even as she sneered at the sarcastic pilot across the hall.
"None taken Jack. And if you wanted a threesome Jeff, all you had to do was ask. I'm sure she would be willing if you inquired." EDI replied, and again Panaka was reminded of the simple fact that there was something unmistakably human about the droid when he saw the humor in her synthetic gaze.
"And now I'm suddenly reconsidering that idea. You're way too into it, which means she'd likely end up dead in an alley or something. Besides, I'm spoken for..." Joker's olive eyes wandered towards another woman, this one orange skinned and looking more like some type of predator species with sharp teeth and striped appendages around her head.
"Should I get you a cup to drool in Joker?" Ashley smirked at Jeff's expression, which was somewhere between sullen and guilty.
"How about a bucket for the perverted bosh'tet?" Tali added insult to injury, and chuckled lightly along with the turian sharpshooter, who was standing behind her chair with his arms crossed.
"I was going to suggest a swimming pool, but that might be a bit much, even for him Tali." Garrus added with another chuckle.
"Actually, purely in the interests of scientific research, I for one would be more than open to the idea of unique interespecies copulation Joker." Liara said, her blue eyes alight at the idea.
"Ugh, great, of course you had to go and make it sound all technical and awkward Liara. Way to go Shadow Brokeress. You turned hot steamy sex into a boring scientific study."
"I try my best." Liara replied, a mischievous gleam in her bright blue eyes.
"Wait... what?" Shepard, who had been having a pleasant chat about battlefield maneuvering with a few officers who actually knew infantry formations from their asses, instantly excused herself as her eyebrows shot up at Liara's comment. "Did I really miss you talking about sex without blushing Liara?"
"And on that note Lola, I think I'm gonna hit the gym. Ya coming Ash?"
"Vega, how dare you pass up free drinks and call yourself a marine! Have fun getting sweaty James."
"Oh come on Ash, it might even be romantic, you never know."
"Ash. Ash! He wants to bang you." Jeff stage whispered into Ash's ear, smirking as she spit out her drink. "If you don't believe me, I think EDI has the vids from our last party."
"Shut up Joker. And you, you're on Vega." Taking the hulking marine's arm with a wolfish grin, Ashley led him out of the dining hall.
"Careful what you wish for James. Poor bastard won't be able to walk tomorrow." Kasumi snickered, flickering in and out of sight just long enough to be noticed.
"You looked to be enjoying yourself, I didn't want to bother you Jessica." Liara replied to Shepard's earlier question with a grin of her own as she stood and laid a quick kiss on the woman's cheek before she turned to Panaka at last. "I take it you're here to escort us to see the delegation from your governing body, the Galactic Senate, Captain Panaka?"
"Your crew certainly is a very... intriguing bunch Commander." Clearing his throat in an effort to contain his embarrassment at the outright strange conversations that had taken place in front of him, Panaka nodded his head. "And yes, I had planned on giving you and your command staff a bit more R & R before interrupting, but now is a good a time as any if you wouldn't mind."
The redheaded woman turned her head and nodded her at Panaka's words. "I don't see a problem with it. No point in making a bad first impression with your people. Besides, you've been more than accommodating since we landed in your backyard. The least we can do is try and repay some of that kindness." The series of positive responses and nods from the rest of Shepard's nearby crew didn't surprise Panaka in the slightest.
At Panaka's slight astonishment at how easily they agreed to be paraded in front of their delegation, David put a hand on the man's shoulder and looked to the woman that had made him prouder than any soldier he had ever known. "Better get used to it Captain. Shepard's not someone who does anything halfway."
"I got that impression already sir. You must be quite proud of your protege."
"More than you could possibly imagine Captain."
Garrus' distinctive artificial dual flanged voice still managed to convey the turian's sarcasm as walked over and joined them. "So, time to meet the local politicians huh? Great, I can't wait."
"Oh relax Garrus, we're in a whole other galaxy. Keep an open mind." Shepard retorted, an all too familiar gleam in her green eyes as she followed Panaka's lead.
"Right. What could possibly go wrong? It's not like there's an ancient race of machines lurking on the edge of this galaxy they're going to pretend don't exist."
"Like I said, keep an open mind." At Panaka's confused expression, Shepard merely shrugged before saying another word. "There's a running joke among my crew. The impossible happens on a regular basis around me."
"Actually, regular basis is usually twice a day, right up there with defying the grim reaper." Garrus was quick to point out.
"Several times a week." David muttered just loud enough to be heard by those closest to him.
"And let's not forget all the trouble that just happens to find you." Liara supplied, her mischevious smirk matched by the twinkle in her pale blue eyes. As if to prove her point, she and the rest of their small group saw a woman with a determined look on her face charging right for them, flanked by a young man with a single braid, and an older bearded gentleman who was trying to calm the woman down to no avail.
"Please Senator Amidala, there's really no need to charge into these proceedings! I'm sure your old friend, Captain Panaka was just coming down to meet us in the council chambers." The bearded man said, and looked to his young companion, who only shrugged.
"We're here already master." He said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Might as well enjoy the festivities."
"Thank you for that astute observation Anakin. And do try not to get too 'festive' this time? Dragging you out of that fountain once was more than enough."
"When you two are done, perhaps you can act the part of peacekeepers instead of comedians?" Senator Amidala grumbled before coming to a halt in front of an amused redheaded woman and her companions. Remembering her place as a representative of the Galactic Senate, Padme lost the scowl and looked up to the older woman with genuine interest. "Do I have the pleasure of addressing Commander Jessica Shepard?"
"Pretty sure I'm the only Shepard here." Shepard grinned and offered her hand to the flustered young Senator. "And you must be Senator Amidala. It's an honor to meet you in person. Captain Panaka and his men have told us a great deal about you, all of it good, I promise. Your policies on galactic stability and peace keeping efforts were impressive." The subtle glance she shared with Liara didn't go unnoticed.
"Please, call me Padme, and I only do what I must to make sure this galaxy doesn't spiral into chaos. On a good day, it doesn't." Padme replied honestly.
"Honest politicians that actually care about their people aren't seen often Senator. In your case, it is praise well earned." Liara stated with a respectful nod of her head before she turned to her two companions. "And you must be Jedi Master Obi-wan Kenobi, and I believe the term is Padawan, Anakin Skywalker?"
"You know of us?" Kenobi asked, his eyebrows raised in slight surprise at how well informed the strange woman seemed to be.
"Information is something I understand well, and gathering it is a specialty of mine. I simply took advantage of our brief time on this world to conduct... research on your galactic society. Forewarned is forearmed, Master Kenobi."
"I think she has us outflanked Master." Anakin said as a small smirk appeared on his lips, his arms crossed over his chest as he looked between Jessica and Liara with interest.
"What ever gave you that idea?" Despite his slight frown, Kenobi's eyes said he applauded Liara's caution and foresight in using her time productively. "Tell me, Liara T'Soni was it? Did you find anything interesting during your research?"
"I did indeed, but perhaps that can wait for another time?" Liara stated, hoping to turn the conversation back to the matter at hand.
"Of course." Padme quickly interceded, before Kenobi or Anakin could cause a diplomatic incident. She needn't have worried since most of Shepard's crew wore matching amused smirks between them, having found the exchange quite entertaining. "While that will no doubt be fascinating, there is no need to rush things."
"What's the matter Senator? I thought you'd wish to be the first to exchange cultural ideas and your views on current events?" Anakin turned to Shepard with a gleam in his eye. "If you don't mind me saying so, Commander, Padme is just a bit tongue tied from all the excitement. It's not everyday you get to meet a new people, let alone several at once." From the subtle but scathing look Padme shot the smug Padawan, Shepard had to bite her tongue to keep from laughing at Anakin's jest at his obviously old friend's expense.
"It's alright to feel overwhelmed Padme. If our roles were reversed, I'd feel just as out of my depth. Relax, I wouldn't be talking to you if I didn't like you. And it's just Shepard. I'm only a Commander when I'm on duty. Turns out I'm on a much needed vacation."
"Amen to that Shepard." David agreed wholeheartedly, earning a round of chuckles from even the Jedi among them.
"So, Shepard, has the Naboo government seen properly to the well being of your crew? If you have any complaints about your treatment, please, feel free to share them with me." The Senator asked, having helped her own share of refugees. Not all of them made it, but she was determined these people did.
"There's no need to worry. Your people have been far more understanding and accommodating than I or my people could have hoped given the strange situation we find ourselves in, even for us." Shepard replied with a genuine smile to the young woman next to her, quickly putting her fears to rest, at least for the moment. Their attention soon shifted to the massive reptilian being currently carrying the main course of the buffet in one arm, while ripping into the wild boar with his teeth. "Grunt! Put that down right now!"
"Ah come on Shepard! I haven't had good meat since we crashed on this rock!" Garrus was already chasing after the krogan, giving Jessica a look that screamed 'Sorry Shepard!'.
"I said put. It. Back." Grunt muttered a curse and walked back to the dining hall as Padme gave Shepard an astonished look at how easily Jessica had turned the impossibly large reptile around. "Let's just say that he respects and fears me in equal measure."
"It helps that she assisted him in a rite of passage among the krogan, the name of his species, on their home planet of Tuchanka. It turns out, taking on a giant thresher maw on foot earns you quite a bit of respect among a race of warriors like Grunt." Liara offered in further explanation when she saw their puzzled expressions.
Kenobi was the first to comment on this strange turn in their conversation as they took their seats in the dining hall. Padme, Anakin, and himself took up one side of the table, while Shepard and her companions took the other side. "I get the impression this thresher maw you mentioned would make our rancors seem tame by comparison."
"Imagine a hundred meter long worm with razor sharp teeth whose favorite hunting tactic is borrowing up through the ground directly beneath you. Oh, and they spit massive amounts of highly corrosive acid at their prey. They also have a habit of swallowing entire tanks whole." Shepard said with a shrug as she sat between David and Liara, with Garrus and Tali next to them in turn.
Anakin couldn't hide a small shudder of disgust by the time Shepard had finished. "Sounds worse than a sarlacc, at least they can't chase you."
"Local pest on your home planet kid?" Garrus asked, earning him a nod from the young man. "You got off easy then."
"Yeah...easy." Anakin mumbled to himself seemingly lost in thought, and not a pleasant one at that. Obi-Wan looked at his Padawan in concern. He knew that after all these years, Anakin was still worried about his mother. The fact that she was a slave only added to his worries.
"As fascinating as this conversation is, perhaps we can get down to the matter at hand?" Padme again asked, in an effort to return to the topic they had come all the way out to Naboo. While she was happy to see home again, she wanted to see these talks completed with a peaceful resolution.
Thankfully, she had a like minded counterpart as Shepard looked to her friends, who nodded their understanding in turn. "Where did you wish to start Senator Amidala?" Obi-wan and Anakin didn't miss the subtle look Jessica shared with her friends, or how quickly she returned to the matter at hand without needing to actually say a word to that effect. They were a close knit group of friends and family, or he was sithspawn.
"Well, perhaps it would be best to begin with practical matters first. Such as lodging, protection, basic necessities such as food, water, and living requirements." The last she looked to Tali, having done her own information gathering from the few reports Panaka and the medical staff had been able to put together before their journey to Naboo. "I admit, we aren't familiar with an immunodeficient species, but it shouldn't be hard to come up with something to suit your needs, and dextro amino food will be easy to gather for you and, I believe it's XO Vakarian?" Grinning, Garrus started to suavely saunter over to the politician, only for Shepard to stop him with an amused shake of her head.
"The nutrient paste your people have provided works well enough Senator, but your continued generosity is much appreciated." Tali replied, a grateful look easy to see behind her tinted visor.
"Agreed. Well, for the time being, we can't complain about our current accommodations either. I had planned to head back to the Normandy and start repairs as soon as possible. Once she's livable, my crew and I will use her as a base of operations until she's spaceworthy again."
"While I understand you need to repair your vessel as quickly as possible, you don't have to do that Commander. I already talked to Queen Jamillia, she and I are good friends, and she's agreed to give you all the space you need for you and your people."
"It sounds like a good deal to me Shepard." Jessica raised an eyebrow as Ashley spoke up from the nearby wall, her arms crossed and her gaze even with Padme and her two friends. "I love the Normandy, but it does get kinda cramped after a while."
"You're-you're giving us a place of our own to build a temporary settlement?" Tali asked in astonishment, and Shepard knew she wasn't going to be able to say no to the plot of land, if only for Tali's sake.
"I'm sorry, I think you misunderstand me. There is already a suitable embassy being established as I speak, thanks in part to your ship's CMO and her advice in regards to your species' individual needs. She was quite informative and happy to assist in this endeavor."
"Chakwas, she'll never cease to amaze me." Garrus stated with pride, a pride that was shared by most of the crew.
Shepard couldn't have looked more perplexed if she had tried. "Wait a minute. Your government is building an embassy? As in sovereign territory?"
"That's right. Naboo is just far out enough from our galactic center that most people let us attend to our own affairs. And I personally couldn't stand by and let potential new allies and friends feel unwelcome or insecure because of petty political agendas."
"Okay, not to be ungrateful or anything princess, but what's the damn catch?" Jack's rude comment got more than a few glares from the people around them, but the crew just gave collective internal sigh of relief that she hadn't said whatever she had really wanted to say.
Kenobi was the first to step in. "Pardon me for asking, but why would we want to fool you? Sure, you bring strange technology and unknown species to our little galaxy, but new discoveries are made daily. Yours is indeed the most unusual at the moment, but I imagine we'll forget about you in a few months at most."
"Maybe I should give you a good fuckin' reminder then Robe Boy."
"Easy Jack, let's not antagonize the locals, or terrify them for that matter. You wouldn't want our hosts to think any less of your crewmates or me because of your actions. Would you?" Shepard asked, and again, to the trio's amazement, her words had the rather violent woman calm, and even more astonishing, apologetic, in no time at all.
"Fine, whatever. Thanks for the new digs princess."
"I take it she grows on you?" Anakin asked once Jack had wandered off.
"Just gotta get past the rough exterior. That takes time, but it's worth it, trust me." Shepard replied, and it was Padme, Anakin, and Kenobi's turn to share a subtle look with each other. "I am surprised though, I thought you'd have wanted to take our ship apart for a deal that good. Or at least demand samples of our tech."
"I'm not most senators. As you yourself stated, my policies are to ensure peace for everyone, not a select few. I'd rather you share what you're willing on your own terms than demand anything that isn't ours to begin with."
Shepard had already been impressed by what Liara had gathered on Padme Amidala, but to hear her in person, to see the genuine concern in her brown eyes was something else altogether. She truly strived to create a better galaxy in everything she did, and it wasn't lost on the battle weary group. "I wish more shared your ideas Padme. Maybe our own galaxy wouldn't have been such a mess, even before our war with the Reapers."
"I can only do my best and hope to inspire my colleagues to do the same back on Coruscant. And as long as you remain on Naboo, you have my solemn oath that I will protect your people."
It was a rare occasion indeed when Shepard was at a loss for words, and Padme's continued generosity had her fumbling for a reply. "Um, well, since you've sort of dumped a heaping pile of riches on me and my crew, I'll tell you a little secret Senator. My CMO already shared a handy little medical aid we call medi-gel with some of your personnel. She said it was based on humanitarian grounds, and I couldn't really argue with her. Especially now that you've given so much to us without asking anything in return. I'm sure your people will have finished a report on it in the next few hours, if not sooner."
"Thank you Commander."
"No, thank you. You have no idea who we are, what we've been through, and yet you've done more to restore our hope in an hour than most could have done in years. And I don't say that lightly."
"That's what we're here for Commander, to inspire hope and good relations between new neighbors." Kenobi replied with a grin before he turned his gaze on Shepard. "In all honesty Commander, I do find myself puzzled by something. I know you're right in front of me, yet as far as my...other senses are concerned, you're about as present as a black hole. I can sense your emotions quite clearly, but as for your actual presence, that I cannot see."
"You're referring to your abilities in some kind of energy field called the Force." Liara stated, and both Jedi didn't seem surprised that the blue skinned alien seemed to know about that as well.
"Yes. For instance, I can distinctly feel amusement and mischievous intent directly behind me, but I know that if I were to look there, I would see nothing in the Force itself nor with my other senses."
"You're good." Kasumi said with a grin as she flickered into existence before disappearing, her hand just shy of Kenobi's lightsaber hilt. "Don't worry, I wasn't going to keep it. But I can see Tali eying it from here, and I thought it'd make a nice planet warming gift." And it was true, Tali's gaze was fixated on the strange weapon hilt that was prominently displayed on the Jedis' belts.
Obi-wan was not so eager to hand over his most valued possession. "My lightsaber is not on the table."
"Ah come on Master, what harm can she do? It's not like you can't put it back together."
"Then by all means, she can demolish yours my young friend."
Anakin promptly walked over to the suited alien girl giving her a smile and a slight bow before flipping his saber hilt into his hand and offering the device to Tali. "Have fun. Don't worry if you can't reassemble it, I'll be happy to."
Even Padme, who wasn't versed in quarian body language and their society in general, didn't need Commander Shepard to tell her that Tali was nearly stunned into silence as her silver eyes widened in disbelief at the gift she was being given, temporary as it would be. "Truly? I-I wouldn't want to-"
"Please, enjoy yourself. I uh...have a tendency to lose them anyway." At this, Kenobi had to bite back a sarcastic chuckle at Anakin's expense. "But I deactivated the power source, so there's no way you could activate it by accident."
Garrus was quick to point out the obvious flaw in Anakin's thinking, the amused grin on his face all too easy to read even without a Jedi's gift for such things. "I wouldn't count on it kid. Tali's our tech expert. If she can't fix it, it's not broken. Although, usually she has a tendency to rip anything particularly interesting apart before putting it back together, better than before."
Obi-wan stared at the near giddy looking 'quarian' as her species was called, the barest hint of a grin pulling at his lips before frowning at his stubborn young Padawan. "Anakin…..why am I not surprised?" As much as he wanted to be disappointed in his apprentice, he couldn't deny he felt almost as happy as Tali herself was at being given the opportunity to examine one of their weapons.
"I know, I know, my weapon is my life. But come on Master, she looks like we gave her the keys to the Senate Building." Anakin's grin only widened at the sight of his master's usual disapproving frown.
The distinctive snap hiss that followed silenced everyone at the table simultaneously. "Oops. I ah...I think I fixed it for you..." Tali distractedly mumbled as she gazed at the brilliant blue blade reflected in her visor, careful to keep it a good distance from her suit and anyone else around her. "It's a beautiful weapon Padawan Skywalker. Do all Jedi wield them? Also, please turn it off before I manage to breach my suit. Or lose an arm…."
"Just... don't move. And yeah, they do. A civilized weapon for a civilized age..." Anakin said, mimicking Obi-wan's droll voice, while he was honestly surprised that Garrus had been all too correct about Tali's capabilities. "You weren't kidding Garrus. You sure she isn't a Jedi in disguise? Far as I knew, only a Force adept can assemble or fix a lightsaber." With a slight wave of his hand, Anakin reached out with the Force to hit the deactivation stud on his saber, much to Tali's immense relief.
"Um, nimble fingers?" Tali helpfully replied with a shrug as she cautiously handed the deactivated hilt back to Anakin. "In all honesty Anakin, my entire species are accomplished engineers, mechanics, and salvagers. Anything the rest of our galaxy's residents didn't want, we put to use, and I was always at the top of my class."
Anakin's interest was immediately piqued as he put his weapon back on his belt with a practiced flourish and a skilled twist of his wrist. "Tali. How would you like to help me tune up our ship? I promise there won't be any more energy blades for you to worry about, and I could explain everything you are not familiar with."
"Lead the way." Before anyone knew what had happened, Anakin and Tali had all but left a trail of smoke in their wake as the door shut behind them moments later. Shepard was the only one who noticed the rather long look the Padawan threw towards the Senator. He managed to hide it, but it was obvious to Jessica that he had feelings for her. It was the same kind of look Liara had shared with her early in their relationship.
Kenobi seemed blind to it as he commented on their sudden disappearance. "Oh dear, it seems I've lost my Padawan to your friend, Commander. Should I be concerned?"
"Depends, how good is he with technology?" Shepard asked, having a feeling she knew the answer to her question already.
"Shockingly good. He put together a pod racer and a protocol droid before he was nine years old."
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid you've lost him permanently. Tali was taking apart geth when she was around that age, and they're far more advanced than most droids I've seen here. Looks like she found her nerdy soul mate already."
"I had that impression Commander Shepard. I will have to politely beseech your brilliant young friend to give him back to me. After they have had their fun of course."
"I wish you luck." Shepard said with a chuckle, which earned her an amused look from Kenobi.
"Oh I can be very persuasive when I have to be."
"I can only imagine." Padme said, interrupting the conversation just as a hint of a wide smile appeared on her face. There were quite a few stories she could share, both personally and about the two Jedi that numbered among her closest friends.
Kenobi sighed when he noticed Grunt carrying a cackling drunken half clothed woman over his shoulder, rumbling with laughter. "Allow me to demonstrate?" It was clear he was asking Shepard's permission.
"If you can get Grunt and Jack to settle down for five minutes, I will officially owe you a drink Kenobi. Maybe even a whole barrel."
"I wouldn't want to embarrass you that thoroughly. We only just met Commander."
"Afraid to put your credits where you mouth is? I don't blame you. Keeping those two out of trouble is like trying to herd cats."
"Oh I'm not afraid, we Jedi simply choose to use restraint when able. Using our abilities for personal gain is against our Code. But if I must, I suppose a small demonstration wouldn't do any harm. Excuse me Senator." With a grin and a nod to the Commander, Obi-wan stood from the table and proceeded to walk towards the very odd pair, his arms crossed over his chest as he waited for them to notice him. He didn't have to wait long.
"Outta my wayyy huuman!" The walking tank slurred in irritation when Obi-wan moved to block his path.
Kenobi subtly waved his hand in front of Grunt's huge head. "You will put down the inebriated woman at once."
"Ah, fuckkk off Robe Boy, I can take 'em! Down boy!" Jack wholeheartedly punched the krogan in the face only to get an even louder laugh out of Grunt before his pale blue eyes focused back on Kenobi. With a massive toothy grin, he set Jack on her feet next to him. "Shit, this guy sounds like a total pussy."
"Yup. He looks all squishy too..."
Not liking the way the younger human was eyeing him, let alone her massive companion, Kenobi slowly started to back away while trying to sound confident as ever. "Um...thank you for your compliance. I believe I should go now." He knew he was in trouble when the krogan put a heavy hand on his shoulder, and squeezed tight enough that the man swore he felt something crack ominously in his shoulder. Kenobi once again waved his hand. "You will release me at once." The only thing released was Grunt's drunken laughter as his grip tightened on the man's shoulder. "Commander, I think now would be a very good time for you to have a chat with, Grunt, I believe? I'd sincerely regret having to injure any of your crew."
"It's not him I'd worry about. Have fun." Shepard saluted Kenobi before turning her gaze to David, who only shook his head at the antics that were unfolding. "What? I didn't start the betting, this time."
"No, you only encouraged it, but I shouldn't be surprised by now Shepard."
"I take it this is a common occurrence among your people?" Padme asked as she looked between a now fleeing Kenobi, and a gleeful krogan as he tried to run down the Jedi Knight with Jack a few steps ahead of the lumbering giant.
"Yep." Was all Jessica said as she watched the former smug knight running for his life.
"Ha! Come 'ere fucker." Padme had to admit, the look on Kenobi's face when Jack tackled him to the ground was rather amusing.
"Please madam! Kindly unhand me! I don't wish to harm you!"
"Oh, don't worry, I'll do all the handling for both of us whimp." Seeing the lustful look in the woman's brown eyes, Kenobi's eyes widened in terrified realization of what she was after. "I might even not break your kneecaps when I'm done. If I'm satisfied."
"Sorry, not interested my dear." With that, Kenobi waved his hand, and much to Jack's astonishment, she was flung off of the older man and directly into Grunt. Flipping to his feet with surprising grace, Kenobi dusted himself off once he was vertical again. "I am however, quite flattered by your drunken invitation." There was no missing the sarcasm in the older man's voice.
"I'm gonna enjoy this heh heh heh." Before Grunt could take one more lumbering step closer to the man, Jack did her best to shove the krogan back.
"He's mine! Get your own Jerkoff to beat the piss out of."
"That's pronounced Jedi." Kenobi smirked, but his cheerful attitude disappeared when he saw a peculiar blue glow surrounding the young woman before she slammed her head into Grunt's lower jaw, which forced him to let her go. The next moment, Obi-wan was busy dodging her fists which were wreathed in some kind of strange energy the likes he hadn't seen before. "I'm sure we could talk about this in a civilized manner madame!"
"Civilize this!" Jack roared before a wave of dark energy rolled off of her, and directly towards Kenobi when she slammed her hands into the ground in front of her.
Kenobi Force lept out the path of the energy wave, which obliterated the buffet table and half of the bar, as he landed behind the woman. "You most definitely are talented my dear, but you lack focus, and a certain finesse." Obi-Wan commented, he was more than grateful that Anakin wasn't here. His young apprentice would most likely either make fun of him or prove to be far less patient with their guests than himself. He would have likely subdued her by now, and not in a gentlemanly manner either.
Before Jack could pursue him further, Shepard stood up from the table. It was more than enough to stop Jack and Grunt in their tracks as she glared daggers at them both. "You two have three seconds to help clean up that mess." Shepard thrust her arm out in the general direction of what was left of the buffet table and the bar, wincing when she noticed the twi'lek bartender that was curled up into a tight ball in the distant corner. "Sorry. I'll see to it they pay up, in full." Shepard glowered at the pair before adding, "And add an exorbitantly generous tip too."
"Um, thank... you?" The orange skinned twi'lek cautiously muttered as Shepard quickly helped her to her feet.
"Here Commander, consider it a gift, nothing more." Padme said with a knowing wink as she handed Shepard a small credit chit like device and subtly gestured towards the shaken woman.
"Thank you Senator. Now let's see here, how much for the damages?" Shepard asked as she turned back to the shaken bartender.
The twi'lek woman was even more unnerved now as she noticed the crowd staring at them. "Um, it's alright, I don't want to cause any-"
Shepard didn't give the twi'lek time to finish her refusal as she glanced at the amount available, her emerald eyes widening ever so slightly. "Two thousand it is. And now, about your tip?"
"I ah- my tip?" If the twi'lek didn't look ready to faint before, she certainly did now at the unheard of generosity being offered.
"I heard two thousand again. Done. You drive a hard bargain." Shepard handed the device to the stunned twi'lek and watched as she input an amount on it and tapped it against a similar device she had retrieved from a vest pocket. "Pleasure doing business with you."
If Jack hadn't sobered already, she certainly did when she realized how much money Shepard had thrown around. "We don't have a credit line here Shepard, and you just gave Buffy the drink slinger four grand?!"
"Less talking. More picking crap up Jack. You to Grunt, get moving. Now." Jessica commanded a now sullen Jack and an ashamed looking Grunt. Well, as close as a krogan could get anyway. "Oh, and one more thing."
"What the hell now Commander ma'am?" Jack snarled as she managed not to glare at the dumbfounded bartender next to her.
"Apologize. And try to make it sound sincere."
"Now you're just pushing your luck Shepard."
"Just havin' some fun..." The rest of Grunt's statement dissolved into incoherent mumbling as Jack glared up at him. "Sorry."
"Fine. Sorry for wrecking your shit." Jack's brown eyes seethed with humiliation as she turned back to Shepard. "Happy now?"
"Yep. Now try to stay out of any further trouble. I'd rather not rack up a massive bill after only eight days in this galaxy." Jack muttered a curse but sat down as far from the others as she could. Grunt soon joined her and immediately passed out with his head on the table. "Sorry for the mess Senator Amidala, Master Kenobi."
"It's quite alright Commander. I'm just amazed by your people more than anything, and you." At Shepard's slightly surprised look, Padme explained herself. "They are an eclectic bunch, far more than most spacefaring crews I've ever seen, and yet they all look to you. It certainly gives credence to how far they've come while under your command."
"All that after a few minutes? I'm impressed. Guess that senatorial training of yours paid off huh?"
"Might I remind you that your spirited young companion nearly-"
Shepard was quick to wave him off as Obi-wan returned to his vacated seat. "Oh relax, you looked like you were actually having fun to me. Have a drink...I'll admit the selection is a bit more limited now, but I'm sure you'll find something to loosen that stick up your ass."
"A stick Commander? I've heard more creative phrases from a jawa." Despite his complaint, Kenobi sat back next to Padme and shook his head again as a smirk appeared on his lips again. "Very well, I'll admit it, it was a strangely exciting change of pace from my usual day."
"So, I'm guessing your offer is off the table Senator. My people did trash the bar after all. I don't even want to think about the havoc they're going to cause if you give them a building." Having the crew in her apartment for most of the day had been a mistake, and that had been for a simple party after they had taken down her evil clone. Shepard could only imagine the trouble they'd cause if they were forced to live in the same building for any length of time.
Padme chuckled as Shepard nervously rubbed at the back on her head. "Not that I was aware of Commander."
Before Shepard could comment, David stepped in. "I know we're people of action Shepard, but we've been at this for way too long. We're all tired, we all need some time to adjust, to get used to this strange, wondrous new place we find ourselves in. I'm not saying we won't get involved in local matters later, but let it come when it comes rather than look for trouble, like you've done for the past what, two years? Three? It's time to put our feet up and enjoy what we've been given." David then put a hand on the woman's shoulder and nodded his head in solemn understanding before he waved his hand to those that were within earshot. Shepard glanced at her friends, her family, and saw that they agreed with David's assessment. "As far as I'm concerned, our fight's over. We've earned some R & R countless times by now, it's time to simply enjoy it."
"Gotta hand it to the old fart Shep, he's got a point. Grunt... Grunt! Wake up!" Jack stated from across the room before nudging Grunt so he toppled onto his side on the floor. The heavy thump that followed didn't interrupt the krogan's drunken nap in the slightest. "Grunt's too hammered to notice much anyway."
"I have to agree with you sir." Samantha began, strolling over to the group with Captain Panaka, as she turned to David before focusing on Padme again, having been silent this whole time. "I want to know what we left behind, if we won, lost, or what. But I also just want to decompress, to enjoy the peace and tranquility out here. And you have a beautiful planet Senator Amidala." Traynor said as she leveled her gaze on Padme last. "I think I could get used to living out here. I'd love a chance to see the countryside if nothing else."
"I know what I'd like to do. Take one of those fancy ships I saw the other day for a test run." Joker said, the grin on his face a mile wide as he turned to EDI. "Those babies can move! The yellow and gunmetal gray paint job could go but I ain't picky."
"I get the feeling your intangible friend would 'borrow' one for you if you but asked Lt. Moreau" Kenobi stated, the familiar grin on his face matched only by the twinkle in his eyes.
Predictably as ever, Kasumi was quick to add her two credits into the conversation as she flickered into sight by Joker's right side. "Just say the word Joker. 'Starfighter'? Transport? I'm feeling particularly daring tonight. How would you like to take a cruiser for a test drive?"
"Nah, keep it simple Kasumi. You can steal a cruiser later."
"Alrighty. Not that I ever would...and get caught." Kasumi disappeared once more, leaving the group at large to laugh or shake their heads at the incorrigible thief.
"Why do I get the feeling my life just got a lot more interesting?" Padme asked, beating Obi-wan to the punch as she met Shepard's emerald gaze. Before she could answer, the Senator held up a hand. "Don't answer that. I just ask that you refrain from causing a diplomatic incident."
"I'll try to keep them contained." Shepard replied with a chuckle before adding, "If for no other reason than to keep your job from getting any harder Padme."
"Thank you Commander. If there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to give me a call." Shepard only nodded her head, hoping it wouldn't be required anytime soon as Padme offered her a small circular device. "Another gift. A holocomm linked to my secure channel." Shepard pocketed the device with a grateful nod of her head. She knew that Liara and Tali would make it truly secure before the week was over.
"Good day Commander, maybe we'll see each other again?" Obi-wan said as he followed Padme's example and got to his feet.
"Hopefully not too soon Kenobi." Jessica replied as she firmly shook his hand. "And good luck, getting your Padawan away from Tali on your way out. Fair warning. It's not going to be an easy fight."
The Knight's grin faltered as he remembered what Shepard had said about the quarian mechanic and engineer. He rubbed his chin in thought, hating his chances of getting Anakin away from her easily. "Oh dear, I had almost forgotten. I might need your help this time. You seem to command more allegiance from your people with a mere look than I could ever hope to attain."
"Not their allegiance Kenobi, their respect. I never wanted their blind loyalty. There's a galaxy of difference between the two, trust me." Shepard smirked at her own little morbid pun.
"How very true. Perhaps you'll share the whole story with me someday Commander. I'd wager it's quite a tale."
"You have no idea."
End Notes; Nomad-117; I feel strange to be honest. A happy chapter, totally forgot how that feels like. Normally we are more serious or dark. Something akin to "Your doom awaits you!"
Archer83; Yup. Well that turned out more light hearted and humorous than I was expecting.
Vergil1989; Oddly enough, we had considered going dark and depressing for this chapter, but we ended up going for a far more cheerful take, and I personally think we did a pretty good job. And to make it even more interesting, most of the crew seem to have accepted the idea that they've been given a break, for once. We'll start picking them off later. :P In all seriousness, we hope you've enjoyed the show guys and gals, and we'll go back and correct the mistakes made in the first chapter soon, promise. For now, leave those reviews we love so much and we'll see ya next time!