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Data Log Entry: 21830708

Perhaps it was my complete absent mindedness but as I walked into the consort's establishment on the Citadel, I did not even consider what a consort was. My perception was loosely based on what Xeltan, the Elcor Diplomat, said about her. I originally thought she was a type of information broker. Xeltan was upset that his authority had been compromised when the consort exposed his "secret". After all, looking at a giant Elcor; sex with an Asari isn't the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, if I put much more thought into it, I am sure to get a headache.

I thought the hostess, Nelyna, was very pleasant when Tali, Professor T'Soni and I walked into the elegantly decorated building. I'm still shocked that Tali punched me in the arm so hard when I asked the acolyte, "Exactly what kind of massages do you give and are you really that good?" Honestly my intentions were innocent, only thinking, 'Damn, my right shoulder's been so stiff lately.'

When I told Nelyna that I would not be making an appointment to wait 3 months to see the consort, I heard the Professor behind me breathe a deep sigh of relief. As I was motioning my squad to leave, the young acolyte called out my name; "Commander Shepard, the consort would like to meet with you!"

I turned back and looked at her in confused. Nelyna excitedly replied, "You are a lucky woman Commander Shepard. You have caught the attention of the consort. She would like to see you now."

The three of us walked inside the lavishly decorated private room. Tali stared in awe as she took in her surroundings. Almost simultaneously, Tali and I fixed our eyes on a large purple monstrosity off to the side of the room. I lipped to her, "What is it?" Tali, just as confused, shrugged her shoulders. Without any amusement at all in her voice, T'Soni quipped, "It's a bed!" Tali and I chuckled at the thought of how strange it was. As I inspected it closer, I was most curious how one got in and out of it. Not once did I consider what sort of activities the consort used it for.

I hardly noticed a motionless figure in the far corner of the room with her back to us. T'Soni mimicked my every move as I stepped closer towards the blue being. Within a few moments the figure spoke, "That is close enough Commander Shepard." The attractive asari seductively swirled around starring directly at me, "My name is Sha'ira and I have a problem that could use your reputable expertise."

She smiled and provocatively floated towards me as she continued. "A friend of mine and I had a falling out. I won't go into the details, but he is a retired turian general and spends most of his time drinking at Chora's Den; spreading lies about me. His name is Septimus Oraka." She paused only long enough to softly graze my cheek with the back of her hand. "I wish you to speak to him on my behalf; soldier to soldier." The asari practically purred when she added, "Convince him to stop spreading these hurtful untruths about me."

The consort delicately placed her arm around my shoulders pulling me away from the team. Briefly glimpsing at T'Soni first, I smoothly lowered my shoulder to step out from under her grasp. The innocent glance did not escape Sha'ira and as I saw her brow rise, making mental note of my reaction to her 'persuasiveness'.

Engulfing my right arm, Sha'ira scrutinized my prothean expert's body up and down and proclaimed, "I have been doing this for centuries Commander and I am VERY good at what I do." With no shame at all, she glared upon the young asari professor and smirked, "I promise you, I will make it worth your while."

From far side of the room, I suddenly heard Professor T'Soni's biotics firing up. The crackling sound got louder as Sha'ira sauntered back across the room as to show off her enamored figure. Looking back at me, the consort purred, "Commander, I will give you an experience you will never forget."

Tali desperately tried to hold back her laughter and shifted her gaze to the floor. Failing miserably, she turned her chuckle into a cough. I thought to myself amusingly, 'Subtle – real subtle Tali.'

I looked back over my shoulder and saw the young maiden had turned a pale blue that I had never seen before. Her skin was usually a bright azure color. It immediately hit me that Professor T'Soni was very uncomfortable with the whole situation. She was nervously rocking back and forth sparking her biotics between her fingertips. My gaze must have lingered on T'Soni for a second too long, because the consort moved closer to me attempting to block my view of the professor.

With an unwary gaze Sha'ira must have realized I wasn't under her hypnotic spell. The matron's eyes glared once more up and down at T'Soni. She tried to sway me further by pressing her body against me and caressing my cheek with hers. It was a little shocking and I was stunned by her boldness. One of her hands slid down my waist and rested on my hip while one of her legs gently rubbed against my leg. It instantly dawned on me exactly what a consort was.

I was embarrassed by my lack of knowledge associated with a consort. My face must have turned quite red, because I again saw Tali trying to stifle a laugh.

Hearing T'Soni's biotics getting even louder, I politely grabbed Sha'ira's wrist as her other hand was making itself well acquainted with my chest. I abruptly raised her hands up, snapping her out of her seductive trance. "Sha'ira! I don't need that sort of … persuasion. That will not sway me into helping you."

Still holding her wrist, I forced her backwards a few steps. The alarming look on her face convinced me that no one had ever rejected her before. I sternly continued, "I am a very busy woman, but I will see what I can do to help. I am trying to stop a rogue Spectre!" My tone was condescending as I returned to my position next to Professor T'Soni. Sensing my irritation, Tali came to my opposite side imitating my famous crossed arm Spectre pose.

We left the room and as we walked down the stairs in silence, I thought to myself, 'The faster I can complete this mission the better.'

This evening Professor T'Soni and I talked about our visit with the consort. She was upset that I was helping her as she surely had a lot of other people jumping at the chance to handle such matters for her. I explained, "I can't be picky who I help and who I don't. That would impact my reputable principles. If someone needs help, I have to help them if I can."

The professor kept informing me that I would be jeopardizing my reputation by visiting her. "That's not very honorable for a Spectre."

I returned, "But I heard she has several Spectre's as clients."

Stunning the hell out of me T'Soni erupted, "You are not her client!"

I was shocked by her outburst but she apologized profusely. I finally agreed that if I had to return to the consort, I would take the professor with me to keep my reputation in tact. She seemed very relieved to hear that. Who would have of thought that aliens were so particular about one's reputation?

I didn't realize until tonight how protective Professor T'Soni is. It's good to know she has my back.

Note to self: Next time you see an upset Elcor, walk the other direction.

Shepard Out -