Chapter Three

Khalisah passed back through the reception area without breaking stride, completely oblivious to Tiana's nervous attempts to look casual as she marched past the desk without so much as glancing at her. She picked up her pace even more as she made for the exit, brisk, confidant strides that drew stares and let everyone know she was not to be trifled with.

At least until Jacana pounced.

"Miss al-Jilani!" the asari leapt out from behind the cabinet she had previously been leaning on, so close in front of Khalisah that the human had to cut one stride short to avoid walking into her. Her feet stopped more abruptly than the rest of her and she narrowly averted toppling over as she stumbled briefly to get her footing. She recovered quite elegantly, without having to grab hold of Jacana to steady herself, which was what usually happened when she had used this tactic in the past. Still, Jacana noticed a brief flicker of irritation cross her brow as she composed herself. This was not a woman who liked being caught off balance. That was worth remembering.

"Can I help you?" she asked, neither friendly nor impatient, emerald eyes glittering as she swept a shimmering lock of hair from her forehead. Oh but Tiana was right, she was beautiful.

"Jacana Aragem, freelance journalist," she held out a hand abruptly, aiming to look enthusiastic without appearing foolish and pulling it off perfectly. Khalisah eyed the hand briefly, Jacana's pounce tactic had left them standing close enough together that Khalisah had to take a step back to complete the handshake with any sort of ease.

"Khalisah Bint Sinan al-Jilani-

"Westerlund News," Jacana finished her catchphrase for her and saw the irritation flash by once more.

"You know me?"

"I saw your interview with Commander Shepard last week."

Khalisah's face remained very deliberately unreadable, though her tone gave something away as she simply replied with: "Ah."

"Very clever, the way you made her look good in the eyes of the viewers," she continued quickly and saw a soft frown crease the skin between her two, neat eyebrows, "humanity needs a hero right now, something to give them strength in the wake of these colony attacks. And you gave them Shepard."

There was a pause as those piecing green eyes narrowed and searched Jacana's face intently. She's trying to read me. And hopefully, she was failing.

"All credit must go to Shepard for that interview," she said after a moment, not without a trace of bitterness, "she's… excellent on camera."

I know that, Jacana thought, the fact that Khalisah was willing to admit it was… interesting. She had intended to charm the news reporter with false praise for her skills but this clearly wasn't a woman easily charmed. Also worth remembering.

"What's your interest in these attacks?" Khalisah's tone was suspicious, naturally, but curious too. Jacana had her way in.

"Hundreds of thousands of innocent people are missing, Miss al-Jilani, anyone should be interested."

Khalisah relaxed, visibly, as a trace of weariness passed through her eyes, "Your views are depressingly unique, Miss Aragem. Few on the Citadel know or care what happens to humans in the Terminus Systems. It is a world so far removed from their own they barely stop to think about it."

Jacana felt an unexpected pang of regret, in truth she had barely stopped to think about it too. But that's not what she was here for, "We share this galaxy, it is our collective responsibility to look out for each other," she said sincerely, "I care for the welfare of these colonists as much as you would if it were asari being taken," she saw a flicker in those eyes and knew fine well that Khalisah wouldn't give a damn for asari victims, but at least she had the decency to feel bad about it.

"Your councillor doesn't share your enthusiasm for my race."

"My councillor?" Jacana laughed at that, genuinely, "Darling, Tevos doesn't represent me any more than Councillor Udina represents you. Politicians may know plenty about politics but they know nothing about real-life people. Having them speak on our behalf is just embarrassing, isn't it?" she almost got a smile, almost. And even if Khalisah's mouth didn't betray her, her eyes sparkled an even brighter green and Jacana took her chance, "It's journalists who uncover the truth of these things," she placed a hand on Khalisah's arm and leaned in with a cunning smile, like they were two maidens sharing a secret, "journalists like us. While the councillors debate and cover-up and talk themselves in circles, we can find out what's really going on and force them to act."

Still sparkling, the eyes narrowed slightly. Khalisah would have to be incredibly gullible not to be suspicious, and incredibly stupid not to take the chance anyway. And Jacana knew she was neither of these things.

"Why come to me?"

"I don't have the contacts or the resources to investigate alone," she lied, "when I saw that interview with Commander Shepard, I had planned to schedule a meeting with you but then I saw you here and, well, call it a happy coincidence," she smiled and hoped it was convincing enough, Khalisah said nothing, "why don't we discuss this over coffee? I know a spot on the Presidium where we can talk in more detail."

Khalisah hesitated, of course. But from her expression it was clear she didn't so much consider Jacana as a potential threat, just a potential waste of her time. Eventually she gave a small, curt nod.

"Lead the way."

From behind her desk, Tiana watched in amazement as Jacana smiled charmingly and led the human from the embassy, not without pausing to wink at Tiana before she left. Frowning incredulously, the receptionist shook her head and went back to work.