"El'Jaid we are going to be late!" Liara cried.
Liara was dressed in a purple and red long formal gown with full dress gloves. The same outfit she had worn when she had met El'Jaid on the Normandy SR2 years before.
The Ardennes had docked nearly an hour ago and the crew was finishing up their duties and getting ready for some well deserved shore leave.
"El'Jaid what in the galex...Oh Goddess..." Liara said speechless, her face blushing...
El'Jaid came walking out in the same little black dress that Kasumi had procured for her. It still fit her like a glove after all the years. She never cared much for it, but knew that that it was a particular favorite of Liara's. The slim dark green cane also added the flair that Liara found both odd and elegant.
"Well? How do I look?" El'Jaid said leaning to one side. Giving Liara a roughish smile.
Liara continued blush not knowing what to say. Or rather unwilling to voice the carnal thoughts that had sprung to her mind.
El'Jaid took that as a sign of agreement.
They met Kaidan and Miranda on the CIC deck near the airlock. Kaidan was dressed in a navy formal Alliance military uniform. He looked perfectly normal with his pair of shined boots. Miranda was dressed in a matching dark navy long sleeveless dress, which stretched from her neck to the floor. It was conservative when compared to other outfits she had worn, but which still managed to show her, physique, nicely. Her hair was pulled back by a comb.
Joker sat in his chair turned towards them. Kaidan caught the pilot's glazed face.
"Joker, you might want to pick your mouth up off the deck before it falls through." He chuckled. "And if the world comes to an end tell it to wait since we're going to be out." Kaidan teased seeing the dumbfounded Pilot.
Joker shook his head. "Wha...right Sir! Tell the end to be out and wait for the world to come to."
The group laughed as they walked out the airlock.
Joker turned to EDI shaking his head. "I know Miranda can dress, and Liara has always looked nice, but Shepard in that dress should be put on the ban list of what to no have in the cockpit!"
"I dunno, Captain Alenko was looking pretty dashing himself." Sangre smiled cocking an eye brow at Joker.
The EDI's blue orb continued to 'stare' at him for a moment.
"What?" Joker responded sheepishly as he turned back to face the ship's console.
"...Men..." EDI retorted.
[][][][][][][]
The group took the tram elevator down to the Docking Bay terminal. It was there that they met their C-Sec liaisons.
"Why is it when ever I come here I have to spend half my time filling out paper work and greeting officials? I still don't understand why Flight Leader Vorees just didn't take Joker's word. There has never been an issue before when I've came here." Kaidan grumbled. He had gotten a keen disliking having to interface with other branches of Governments and bureaucracies. C-Sec was no different. It possibly came from the time he had spent with the Specters
"Perhaps its just a change it protocol. There was an extranet news article that came out last week how ships were trying to leap frog each other. Their pilots would relay the wrong registration and try to buck the line-up." Miranda offered.
"Maybe your right Miri. Maybe." Kaidan added, still unconvinced.
As the group made they way through the docking bay, Kaidan noticed the cane that El'Jaid carried with her.
"I didn't think I pummeled you that bad Shepard." He said with a smirk
El'Jaid's was at first slightly lost then figured out to what Kaidan was referring too.
"Oh, it is a gift from Liara. Guess its the 'Prothean' part of me coming out" She said.
"Ah...right." Kaidan knew she had developed some 'odd' habits. Sometimes breaking in to Prothean, and drinking from small bowls when given the choice rather than glasses. He surmised that of these habits were caused from her experiences with the Prothean Cipher, and beacons. But the cane; he couldn't quite understand that one. He looked over to Liara with a quizzical look.
Liara smiled sweetly. "One of the Prothean data disks that we recovered years ago had some information as far as social behavior. It seems that high ranking, or highly decorated individuals were typically seen in public with canes, regardless of their physical condition or gender. It was seen as a symbol of the person's accomplishments."
"I see." Kaidan said skeptically.
The tram elevator's doors opened, and they continued on to the main lobby of the terminal.
All around them the Docking Bay terminal was a hive of activity. People from all species were trying to find transportation, entertainment, conducting business, or securing lodging. Pockets were seen arguing with docking staff, still others were just loitering around. They took no notice of the group from the Ardennes as they were just enveloped in the busy bustle.
But the Ardennes group did not go unnoticed by two C-Sec agents.
"Well What do we have here Sergeant. Two humans, an Asari, and...an unknown?" A Turian said.
The two C-Sec agents stalked up on the party.
"I'd say the first two are lost. The Asari knows too much, and the red head is nothing but trouble. I just know it." Said the Drell.
"More then you know." El'Jaid responded, a roguish smile tugging at her chin. "How have you been...Executor Vakarian?"
Garrus chuckled. He was dressed in a Formal Turian Military cut C-Sec suite. El'Jaid had caught his face the moment the elevator had opened, the scars and the cybernetics made him stand out like a lighthouse to her, but it took the rest of the group a moment to catch up.
Kaidan greeted him first nearly launching at him, "Why you old war horse! How are you?!" He heartily shook the Turian's outstretched hand.
Garrus' eyes flashed with a smile. "Worse then I expected, better then I feared." Garrus turned in kind to Miranda and Liara greeting them warmly but held his distance.
Garrus still treated both Kaidan Miranda with a slight distance. Not uncommon due to their history. While Miranda had been instrumental in helping the Alliance and the Council dismantle Cerberus, he could never bring him self to entirely trust her. With Kaidan, 'Horizon' the only word Garrus ever needed to say for a reason.
On the other hand with Liara, he kept his distance out of a an unannounced respect. They had worked together with El'Jaid to take down Saren. Their 'friendship' had grown strained when he refused to help Liara look for El'Jaid body, and when Liara refused to help El'Jaid with the collectors. But then with her unwavering support during the Six Year war, and her devotion to El'Jaid, he wasn't going to question where her priorities, or her heart was. Part of him considered Liara his Superior, his better. He just felt inferior to the smaller Asari.
Then he turned to El'Jaid. Part of him wanted to rush over and bind her in a bear hug. It had been too long since he had last seen her. He considered her as close as family. She had come to his aid more times then he could remember. He owned her more then just his life, but his soul. That was a debt that could never be fulfilled. Yet for all that, she only asked for his friendship in return.
Unfortunately he had to consider the fact that he was 'on duty'. He didn't want his subordinates to see him being too friendly with a Specter, even if it was El'Jaid. So he did the only thing he could do.
"Shepard." And he bowed deeply.
El'Jaid understood his predicament, and smiled broadly. "Its good to see you Garrus. Kolyat." El'Jaid turned and nodded to Kolyat. He returned the nod.
Kolyat Krios had risen quickly through the ranks of C-Sec. He had proven well that he was his father's son in capability and strength of spirit. He wasn't an assassin, but was just as accomplished as a SWAT cop, detective and Sniper. It wouldn't have surprised El'Jaid if Garrus had been helping him with the training.
Garrus and Kolyat led the small party quickly through customs they went out to a waiting skyvan. Its wasn't as flashy as the people it was carrying, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing given the occupants...notoriety.
The Capitol of Esthasia was set in a valley that tucked up the mountains the Ardennes had been escorted through and bucked up to an outstretched sea. Asari architecture was very evident, but was quickly being intermingled with the architecture of other societies.
As Kolyat 'drove' El'Jaid could see how the world was becoming the 'new Citadel'. The outlaying areas were the 'wards' while the City Center, completely with a strikingly tall and graceful tower made up the 'presidium'.
Garrus turned around to his captive guests.
"So. What brings the famous Specter, Captain Shepard, to Esthasia and the Capitol?" He asked enthusiastically.
"Council meeting." El'Jaid said leaning back in to the seat to relax.
"Humm, that's interesting, can you share why?" Garrus said, his eyes flashed.
"We are not sure." Liara piqued in. El'Jaid just looked on her brows furrowing.
"Have you heard of anything Garrus?" Kaidan asked.
Garrus took some time to think. He turned things over and over in his head and nothing seemed to justify calling for a Council meeting with a Specter. But then again Specter meetings and assignments in general tended to be the ones that were best left in the 'unknown and never existed' category.
"I know the Council has been swamped by rebuilding reports, proposals and complaints. Hell, just getting the economy back up and running has taken every Volus mercantile genius in Council space. But that isn't anything new." He breathed. "Colonies are feeling like they are being brushed aside or used by their core worlds first and that they are the last on the relief list. The Batarians have been the most vocal, right after the Humans... ever since the Council had let them reopen their embassy..." He sat back trying to form a connection...
"I can't believe that the Batarians were even allowed to reopen it!" Miranda scoffed looking at El'Jaid.
What had been left of the Batarian Hegemony had flocked to the Council for protection when the Reapers had invaded. After the war, the Batarians realized that they could no longer survive as being a rouge state. They had petitioned the Council to reopen their embassy, and had been denied their petition four times. It had only been after El'Jaid had recommended allowing the Batarians to have a voice in Council politics that the Council agreed; though not whole heartedly.
"Everyone deserves a chance..." El'Jaid said mechanically.
Garrus just looked at her. Yeah but even good intentions can go awry... He thought. "... I've also heard rumors..." He said with a chill.
"Of what?" Miranda asked.
Garrus snorted, "I'm not sure, I guess rumor is the wrong word. Its more like a feeling. Like people are angry but they are bottling it up, or aiming it at the wrong source." He looked out of the window at the passing scenery.
"Its probably just me. I've seen so much that it does tend to color things for me." He said brushing it off.
He turned around again and looked at El'Jaid wanting to change the subject. "So Shepard, have you really aged that badly, or is the cane just for show?"
El'Jaid shook her head. "I've been getting that everywhere..."
Everyone chuckled. Liara gave her a gentle elbow in the ribs.
"You could say you needed it from when you were sparring with Kaidan." Liara added teasingly.
Garrus raised an eye at Kaidan. "Hmm you sparred with her, Alenko? Talk about biting off more then you can chew."
Kaidan quickly raised his hands. "It was her idea."
Garrus gave what looked like a smirk. "I bet. So who won, as if we didn't know. Who had the reach and who had the flexibility?"
Silence grew in the van as Garrus quickly realized what he had said and covered his face. "Oh That really came out wrong..."
Everyone else looked at him in shock. El'Jaid just gave out a laugh.
They quickly looked at her, and she just smiled and said, "Inside joke."
If Garrus could have blushed he would have been a bright cherry red.
[][][][][][][][][]
A pair of watchful eyes had been watching the Ardennes party as they met with Garrus and Kolyat. A Salarian who was sitting on some crates appearing to be waiting for either a shipment, customs, or repairs to his ship. His body language gave of the impression that he was weary and tired, like most of the passers by on the docking port.
"This is Agent Salya reporting in. I have visual contact of our target and the party."
A moment later a synthesized voice range through. " Proceed."
It looks like they are meeting up with Executor Vakarian, and Sergeant Krios, his personal Protégé..." Agent Salya said with precision, but with a twinge of nervousness.
At what he couldn't be sure. He could hear the beating of his heart in his ears as he waited for the voice to same something on the comms, inside he was a powder keg ready to go in to action. The waiting was killing him.
"Continue surveillance and follow them. I want regular reports every thirty minuets..." The detached voice said.
"But when should we give the go ahead? We have the target." Agent Salya stated earnestly.
"Not until you are sure it will not cause a public spectacle. This has to be quiet." The voice came back...
Agent Salya felt anxiety fill him. The waiting was getting to be too much..
"Remember Agent Salya, you are doing instrumental work. Good work. Carry on." The voice said again.
"Understood. Agent Salya out."
He watch the party go off to the waiting sky van, and like a ghost he slipped away to his waiting Sky car.
It was dull, non descript and unpolished. It blended in well with the rest of traffic as he gave chase to the C-Sec Skyvan.
I am doing good work... He thought to himself.
[][][][][][]
Kaidan had asked Kolyat to take them to the restaurant, the Corsair's Sun. It was located just on the wharf a few blocks across from the Council Spire and situated on the corner of the block. It's outside reflected the architecture of the rest of the city. Sweeping upwards with a gently curve, it's outside having the iridescent sheen of pearl.
"Sergeant Krios will you please show Mr. and Mrs. Alenko inside? The Captain, Doctor, and myself will join you shortly." Garrus said.
Kolyat bowed deeply, just like his father had on occasions, and led Miranda and Kaidan inside.
"Everything alright Garrus? I've never know you as being one for formalities." El'Jaid said.
"Blame the promotion and the politics involved. I didn't ask to be Executor, and while its been good to help turn the organization in more effective directions; the political situation is a pain in the ass. And your right. I need a break."
So I take it your joining us for dinner?" El'Jaid asked.
Garrus' eyes grinned. "How often do old crew mates get together? Its been too long Shepard."
El'Jaid and Liara both smiled in return. It was nice to be able to spend some time with him again.
"Besides, don't we have something to celebrate?" The Turian glanced at both El'Jaid and Liara. He knew something.
"What are you getting at Garrus?" El'Jaid stood back folding her arms across her chest, unintentionally showing her bracelet like a beacon. Liara stood by slightly perplexed by Garrus' game.
"When was the last time you wore jewelry Shepard? And on your 'left' arm no less..." Garrus said teasingly. "I know a thing or two about human customs."
El'Jaid fumbled trying to re-cross her arms, and Liara was left giggling at the sight of her love caught off guard by the seasoned Detective.
"Does it make us stick out that badly? How did you know?" Liara asked, flushed but smiling.
"No, and I am a cop Liara." he said with a wink.
He quickly moved forward and embraced them both. "Congratulations to you both, and may the Spirits bless you." He said.
Both Liara and El'Jaid beamed back at him.
"Now lets head inside before we get beaten to dinner." He said.
"Always thinking with your stomach Vakarian?" El'Jaid retorted.
"Beats thinking with an empty stomach." He fired back.
On the inside, the restaurant had a very calming and private atmosphere, the color of a soft blue. Beautiful glass panes hung from the ceiling each containing different designs of nature. From deserts, to waterfalls, seas and gently rolling meadows. The main room was filled with booths, both large and small and each was provided a modest enclosure keeping prying eyes and ears away from conversation. The Corsair's Sun was well known on Esthasia for it's cuisine, it's drinks, and respect of privacy and service that it gave it's patrons. As such, the majority of the patrons were Ambassadors, Diplomats, or other powerful individuals.
In the middle of the dinning area was abroad dancing floor, El'Jaid and Liara saw couples of all different peoples dancing to the gently playing string quartet.
A Salarian attendant greeted them and quickly showed them to where Miranda, Kaidan and Kolyat had been seated.
"Thought we were going to have to go on with out you three." Miranda chided.
"It was my fault. I had to detain them for a quick interrogation." Garrus responded, his mandibles twitched with amusement.
Miranda smiled back at him, she knew exactly what he had meant, though Kaidan was oblivious to the remark.
They all ordered their drinks and dinner then chatted idly. El'Jaid relaxed in to her seat and took a moment to take in everything, and let her concerns drown away. The soft rhythmic pulse of the music played as couples danced slowly away on the floor. The tables around the darkened blue room were filled with people enjoying their food and conversation.
Garrus and Kaidan were in a deep conversation and Miranda was enjoying talking with Kolyat about his experiences on Esthasia so far. El'Jaid felt Liara's warm smooth hand encompass her own and El'Jaid glanced over at her Blue Angle. Liara smiled and nodding over to the dance floor, coxing El'Jaid to join her.
El'Jaid smiled impishly as she followed.
The String quartet had been replaced by a Hanar who was playing what looked like a keyboard. El'Jaid wasn't sure what kind of music would come out, but it really didn't matter. She didn't care.
The music began to pulse, the rhythmic music warping itself around El'Jaid and Liara as they began to dance. El'Jaid closed her eyes as she moved with the music's beat. She opened them to see Liara flowing with her. El'Jaid couldn't take her eyes of Liara. She never could when she watched Liara dance. All the cares and worries of the day just seem to strip away as they enjoyed each other.
The Hanar played several more high energy songs then ended with a cool down tune. It sounded as if there was a orchestra playing rather then just a keyboard. Liara slipped her arms around El'Jaid's waist and El'Jaid wrapped her's around Liara's shoulders and they danced closely. Their movement gentle and small keeping pace with the slow music.
"I wish we could stay here like this..." Liara said lazily hugging El'Jaid tighter.
El'Jaid smiled, "Me too."
But as with all things in life, it did not last, and the talented musician finished the song to the applause of the dancers and seated patrons and was once again replaced by the string quartette who went back to playing their sweet and quiet music.
Liara and El'Jaid made their way back to their table and were greeted with smiles.
"You two should really try out for a dance competition." Miranda smiled. The others at the table just smiled seeing how they enjoyed themselves.
El'Jaid blushed at the idea, she had never thought of herself has having very much finesse on the dance floor. Battlefield; yes, dance floor; no. But with that music she couldn't help but be attuned to it, feel it.
"What was that instrument the Hanar was playing? She asked.
"It was a Sensu-board." Kaidan said. "It sends out electronic impulses and can causes people to 'feel the music. Its most effective influence on folks who are sensitive to biotics."
El'Jaid shivered at the warm memory of music. Liara just smiled at her.
The server came around with cold tea for the party. The tradition at the Corsair's Sun was to finish the evening there is a glass of their finest cold tea. They all sat back and enjoyed the afterglow of the evening. What could be better? The good food, music, drinks, and impeccable company were exquisite.
Garrus's mandibles twitched, knowing it was a perfect time to strike. "A toast to the newly engaged!" He boasted loudly.
Kaidan nearly choked on his drink when he heard Garrus speak. Miranda was there to give him a few strikes on the back.
"Wha...?!" Is all he could muster, coughing.
El'Jaid and Liara both blushed, but happy at Garrus's toast. El'Jaid secretly went for Liara's hand.
Its finally time... She thought to herself.
After quickly recovering from the shock Kaidan smiled back both of them. "Congratulations. I always figured you two would tie the knot! Any plans yet?"
"Not yet, we will have more time after the meeting with the Council tomorrow." Liara said sprightly.
Then reality rushed in at El'Jaid again. The fact that she didn't know what she would be walking in to gnawed away at her.
Miranda noticed the change in El'Jaid disposition. "I think its time for us to go, don't you dear?"
Kaidan quickly picked up on it. "Ah...yeah...yeah."
The group retrieved their belongings and Garrus paid for the whole bill, while calmly arguing about it with Kaidan as the group left the Corsair's Sun.
"Garrus, I'll pay you back..." Kaidan said
"Too late Captain. You were to slow." Garrus retorted with a twinkle in his eye.