*****A Cursed Existence*****

Entry 13: For Better or Worse, Opportunities Abound

AN: Huh. First of my fics to not only reach 400 follows, but shoot past it. Hell yeah! Er, I mean, thanks for the amazing support! Now then, it has been too long to say the least since I last updated this, so I'd say it's about time to rectify that…

December 15th, 2182, 10:43 pm. (22 hours, 29 minutes later)

Waking up after a quiet night's rest, I sat up in bed and swung my legs over the side. Staying there briefly, I stretched and yawned, still feeling the final moments of sleep trying to drag me back to bed. A quick glance at my window told me it was still early in the Presidium's day cycle, yet in spite of that, the flow of nonstop traffic was just as heavy as always.

The day prior had been fairly busy. First with cleaning up after Kasumi's visit, then by explaining to building management how one of my "guests" somehow managed to break the door panel, followed by agreeing to simply pay for its repair rather than telling the suite's actual tenant about what happened – they understood I'd rather not go through the embarrassment, and so long as I was paying, where's the problem?

But today was a new day, and with it, more things that needed doing. Staring at my still warm pillow, however, I contemplated just sleeping in for another hour or two. Not like the universe was ending at this exact moment… right?

Sighing and shoving that urge back down, I stood up and went through my usual morning routine on autopilot. It gave me time to think at least.

Hmm… what am I going to do today? Investments with Barla Von's agency have been handled, and he set me up to have a meeting with an Eclipse representative tomorrow; it's too soon to go looking into how to contact Kasumi, as if she's half as paranoid as I think she is, she'd have left the Citadel by now…

Brushing my teeth, I continued thinking, letting my mind wander.

Maybe I could try and see about arranging for a meeting with Udina and the Human Embassy; discuss making a mutually beneficial business agreement to help them build up a little more before the Reapers and Collectors start tearing into their colonies. At the same time, I'll have to be careful enough to not tip Saren and his cronies off, and I can't stand that obnoxious prick, Udina, for long even from a game's perspective, never mind in person. Still, arrogant little bastard or not, he's a capable politician who gets things done, otherwise the humans wouldn't have chosen him as their representative.

Pausing for a moment, I found myself confused at how I was looking at humanity in general.

Wait, since when were humans 'them' or 'their'? Shouldn't it be 'us' and 'our'?

And yet, even as I thought it, the implication of me still being human in some way just felt… strange. Not even wrong, simply foreign.

Staring at myself in the mirror, and seeing the pale blue face with even paler eyes staring back, I couldn't help but wonder: how long would it be before the face I was looking at would be my own? Not just the mask, the public image for who I really am, but mine; that moment when I can look at myself and see nothing wrong with the reflection. If the way I was just thinking about my parent race was any indication… sooner rather than later. Which worried me.

Getting back to the routine, I let those thoughts simmer, unable to ignore them but also unable to really do anything about it. I'd just have to accept it when it happens.

…

…

…

Finishing up with that a few minutes later, I came out of the bedroom to the smell of hot food cooking, and I couldn't help but breathe it in with a smile. Thessian eggs and Calabsan bacon, with a side of fresh toast. Ahhh, that's the good stuff.

Steadily making my way over to the kitchen, I watched Aena cooking everything with happy bright blue light emanating from her crest, as per usual, the glow occasionally flashing into other colors for a second that were hard to catch, entirely focused at the moment and not reacting to my presence. I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"How's it coming along, Aena?" I asked her in passing, headed over to the suite's small dining table.

"Your meal is nearly ready, Mistress," she responded, still cooking.

"Alright," was all I said, sitting down and opening my omni-tool. Checking my email, there wasn't anything out of the ordinary from the spam and messages I'd already read, and so I just stared at the screen for a moment.

Hmm… you know what? Think I'll give Udina's office a call and see about setting up that meeting. Who knows, maybe I'll get "lucky" enough that the Ambassador himself will deign to answer the phone.

December 17th, 10:24 am. (One day, 11 hours, 19 minutes later)

So. Udina did not, in fact, answer his phone. His, along with the volus and elcor ambassadors' secretary, did. She was a fairly normal human woman with a slight Irish accent. To be honest, I was kind of surprised a human was manning the desk, as I remember an asari being the one to do it, but maybe this was the secretary before the asari was hired; I had no way to know, and it didn't really matter in the end.

Apparently, the good Ambassador didn't have any time to spare for a meeting until today, but the secretary told me to send a brief summary ahead of time of what I wanted to talk with him about, and to come by today for a response. I thought my little proposal was put together well: An investment in future human colonization in exchange for limited business benefits related to colonization and its industry in Alliance space.

It was fairly broad, didn't reveal too much while making a certain amount of sense to outside interests, and has some precedent due to Noveria still existing as a corporate owned and operated colony. Which is why, put simply, I was a little surprised at the answer the secretary gave me.

"I'm sorry for taking up your time like this, Miss V'Seila, but Ambassador Udina has decided to reject your proposal," the woman said in a pleasant voice, still with just enough accent to be noticeable, while looking apologetic enough for me to think she may have actually meant it.

'Rejected'? I had to repeat the word in my head a few times to let it sink in. "But why? We haven't even discussed any details about it yet."

"The Ambassador is a busy man, and has been handling a lot of additional work recently. While he does appreciate your offer, he suggests that perhaps you should contact the Alliance Colonization Committee to discuss it further, as his office doesn't handle such topics."

So, translation: "Fuck off, I'm busy and don't have time for your shit; go bother someone else." Yup, sounds like Udina alright.

Holding in a sigh at the rejection, I nodded, making sure to look the part of being disappointed but accepting. "I understand. I'll see about having a talk with them then. Thank you for at least making sure he read it."

"Of course, ma'am," was the secretary's response, and while it looked like she intended to say more, a call came in before she could, and the woman answered it just as she had mine two days earlier.

Taking that as my sign to leave, and grumbling internally about certain annoying politicians, I turned and started walking with Aena in tow, only to almost collide with an older human man that was power walking up the spot I'd just held at the desk. We both sort of stared at each other for a second in surprise, neither having really expected it, which gave me enough time to get a better look at him.

"Sorry, I wasn't paying attention," he eventually said, and something about the voice and his well trimmed beard seemed familiar, though I couldn't exactly place from where. Oddly enough, I felt it wasn't just my own memories that I remembered him from, as the more Miri side of my brain was giving the same sensation of recognizing him from somewhere.

"Perfectly alright; I wasn't paying attention either," I said, and letting curiosity get the better of me, I extended a hand. "Mirilley V'Seila, businesswoman and investor."

He raised both eyebrows a little at seeing my hand, probably not expecting it from an asari, but quickly settled into a more friendly expression and shook it, both of us letting go a second later. "Alec Ryder, explorer and tech expert."

Alec Ryder… why does that sound so familiar? Wait… Andromeda! I mean, I never played it, but from what I remember, the main character was named Ryder. Something about being a… Pathfinder, I think it was?

"A pleasure meeting you then, Mr. Ryder. Your reputation precedes you."

He smirked a little, seemingly finding it amusing. "Thank you. Though I feel I should say this now: we have met before."

I blinked at that, drawing a blank from what memories I had the time to dig through. "Really? When was this?"

"A few years ago now," he responded, gaining a slightly distant look in his eyes, no doubt recalling the moment. "You were asking me for help when it came to improving the programming for a VI of yours. Something about 'increasing the speed at which it adapts to new scenarios.' Honestly, it was one of the more interesting jobs I've done, all things considered, but the end result was certainly one of a kind."

Huh. That doesn't ring a… I let the thought trail off as a memory floated to the surface, and details became clearer in my mind: a large apartment on the Citadel, a primitive looking mech with a vaguely asari body type standing off to the side with its power turned off, a younger version of Ryder tapping at a keyboard, a woman with dark hair standing next to him and talking about something, and then a pair of hyperactive blurs shouting and laughing as they ran…

"Ah yes, I remember now. How're the twins doing?"

He smiled at the question. "They're both doing well. My son, Scott, recently started working with me, while Sara is helping her mother out. Pretty sure neither of them have forgotten you either. You…" he paused for a second and looked amused, "left quite the impression on the kids. Though my wife wasn't too happy about having to explain certain parts of asari culture to a couple of pre-teens."

I blushed a little at the implication, as it didn't take a genius to figure out which parts I had them wondering about. I was that age myself, once, and given how suggestive I tend to be whenever I'm not paying attention… yeah, I can see why Mrs. Ryder would get upset.

"Sorry about that."

He waved it off. "No worries; they were going to find out about that sort of thing eventually. At least with the way they did, we knew how to handle it."

I nodded, smiling at the thought. It reminded me of the kids I used to babysit back on earth: too curious for their own good, and with enough energy to go full speed all day, but neither their parents or myself would've had it any other way.

"Well that's good at least. So what brings you here to the embassies?" I asked him, certain that it had something to do with his little Andromeda Initiative.

"Oh, just an appointment with Ambassador Udina," he answered, not really telling me much. The fact he had an actual appointment though did irk me a little, but humans are Udina's priority, not some random wealthy asari with no real political connections, so it made sense.

Still annoyed me though.

"Really? Does it happen to have something to do with colonizing unexplored regions of space?" I questioned, making it clear I knew something, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.

"I'd ask where you heard that, but it's not like it's a secret at this point. So what is it you want?" he almost demanded, losing the friendly demeanor in favor of cold, albeit professional, neutrality.

Well that escalated quickly. Let's dial it back down.

"I just wanted to know if the Initiative could use some extra funding." He just sort of stared at me for a moment, and figuring he was trying to see my angle, I decided to give him one. Plus, if things ever went really downhill for me here in the Milky Way before the Reapers ever showed up, I'd have an out. Saving the galaxy is great, actually surviving afterwards is better. I'm not a sacrificial hero; my name isn't Shepard. "And I wouldn't complain if there was a seat saved for me on the trip."

It had the intended effect, and Ryder relaxed some after hearing it. From his point of view, a billionaire being "nice" and "generous" was something to worry about. One that got something out of the deal that an incredibly small amount of people would ever experience, wealthy or not? Familiar and predictable.

"I'm sure that could be arranged. But I still need to meet with Udina before agreeing to anything, and then talk to the director to let him know you're interested."

I nodded, understanding where he was coming from. Even he had superiors.

"I'll stay in touch then. As for how… Aena?"

Aena nodded, and a moment later I watched as Ryder glanced down at his now activated omni-tool, staring at it for a second before looking at the one that sent the message he'd received with an expression I couldn't quite place.

"So… that's what you became," he said, just barely loud enough to catch, and I couldn't help but furrow my brows in confusion at the way he said it. Noticing this, he looked away from Aena and back at me. "Your VI and her frame have certainly improved from when I worked on her."

Thinking back on the old, near skeletal frame I saw in the memory, I had to agree with him. "She's had a few upgrades, yes. Although I'm sure more are to come in the following years. She still has some room to grow, after all."

He smiled almost whimsically at that. "Of course. Though I'll admit, I'm curious to see how she develops."

The topic of our conversation tilted her head, flashing a confused pale green, which only served to make Ryder's smile grow.

"Well, it's been nice catching up, and as I said, I'll be sure to let my higher-ups know about your interest. Until next time," he ended, and with a mutual nod, we parted ways.

Well that was odd. Hmm. So he worked on Aena way back when? I wonder… what did Ryder specialize in again? "Explorer and tech expert" was it? I'll have to look into him further. Could've sworn he had something to do with making an AI... or maybe trying to make one? Ok, definitely digging up some info on him and the Andromeda project when I have the time.

I briefly thought about trying to meet with the councilors, or perhaps even the elcor, hanar, or volus ambassadors, but I put the thought aside; I didn't have anything I wanted to discuss with them that wouldn't end in either my immediate detainment, or being turned into a target by various intelligence groups, so best to hold off for now. And while going through the Alliance's bureaucracy to arrange support for colonies sounded positively delightful, I'd rather do that from a position of strength after Eden Prime if I couldn't skip the process via Udina.

On another topic: the deal I offered to Eclipse had already convinced the local representative to contact her superiors for guidance on how to handle it, as said deal was five years of being my defacto security forces for the mining installations I was still building, with the option to extend the contract when the time came. To say guaranteed, and respectably high revenue for the next half decade, was lucrative to a decentralized military-for-hire was putting it mildly. The last I heard was that they had effectively agreed to the deal, but needed our respective legal departments to get together and make it official. Considering the emails I'd sent to my team of lawyers to make such a thing a reality, and no doubt the ones Eclipse had sent to their own, I imagine it wouldn't be long before it gets finalized.

While walking around the Presidium, shopping for things like clothes and some spare omni-tools, and just seeing the sights (like taking a picture with the krogan monument, because it's damn iconic) Aena chimed in with an alert.

"Mistress, incoming high priority message."

"Oh? From who?" I asked, concerned it could be any of a dozen issues.

"Matriarch Benezia."

Well. That's definitely something. What, is the question…

December 17th, 12:45 pm. (Two hours, 21 minutes later)

"-yes, please let her know I appreciate the gift. It's not often one receives something from a Matriarch's personal collection," I politely told the asari delivery girl as she unloaded the package, her being an underling of the Matriarch in question; and after it was left on my floor and opened, it revealed an alien – in every sense of the word – artifact that looked awfully similar in color and design to certain murderous space squid architecture, a deep blue light emanating from it. It set off all the right alarm bells in my head, and every instinct I had was telling me to destroy the threat in front of me before it started spreading its corruption. Really, when you knew what to look for, and already owned a fair amount of prothean artifacts (on top of displaying them in your home), it was remarkably easy to spot the numerous differences between them and 'prothean artifacts' like this one.

"Of course, Matron! Golden Age Prothean artifacts such as these are quite rare and valuable, according to the Matriarch, so she hopes sending it to you will express her genuine interest. She also told me to inform you that, should you wish it, she is willing to engage in further discussions on what you covered in your prior conversation," the girl explained, followed by looking over at the soon-to-be-erased object she had delivered.

Nodding and wanting her to leave as soon as possible so I could get away from the danger, I smiled as charmingly as I could, given the circumstances, and forced my next words out. "I'll be sure to thank her the next time we speak. Was there anything else?"

The girl didn't respond for a moment, staring at the undoubtedly reaper artifact, seemingly lost in thought if her unfocused eyes were anything to go off of.

Narrowing my eyes, briefly glancing at the cursed item in question and then back at her, I repeated myself, a little louder this time. "Is there anything else?"

She blinked and turned away from the artifact and back to me, looking a mix of confused and flustered at having ignored me. "My apologies, Matron. No, that was all."

Feeling a little pity at knowing what was happening to her, and not really being able to do anything about it considering she was one of Benezia's personal assistants, I nodded and gave her my first genuine smile since she'd arrived at the penthouse, though I doubt the maiden picked up on the sadness behind the smile. "Thank you then. I really do hope you have a pleasant day."

She blinked at that before smiling back, even blushing a little, before doing a little bow out of what I assume was respect. "And you as well, Matron V'Seila." She then made to leave, but stole one last glance at the damnable reaper device.

"What a pretty shade of blue…" she said almost dreamily, and then finally left, leaving me with a sickened feeling in my stomach that slowly morphed into anger, which threatened to turn into rage when I turned to face the object and realized what it had already done to an innocent girl.

"Aena!" I yelled, knowing she was listening from the next room over while packing my things, something I'd told her to do the second we got back home after the message. I'm sure there were more opportunities on the Citadel if I looked, but right now, I just wanted to consolidate and contemplate everything I'd gained since leaving home.

"Yes Mistress?" she chimed in, peeking her head around the corner.

"Packing can wait. For now, have a vacuum sealed container sent here, and put that," I pointed at the device, "inside of it and seal the container."

"Do you want it shipped somewhere, Mistress? Should I dispose of it?" Aena asked, clearly having deduced that whatever the object was, I didn't like it.

"For now, have it sent to the Sapphire for when we leave," was my response, glaring at the thing and wishing it gone. My biotics even flared in reaction, and I had to take a second to calm down enough to bring them back under control. Could I have simply obliterated it with an overcharged biotic warp? Maybe. Such an ability destroys on the atomic level, after all, and I doubt the thing was anywhere near as sturdy as the reapers themselves. But I wanted to keep up appearances at least until we'd left the Citadel; no telling if Benezia would find out I didn't bring it with, and I saw no reason to make her suspicious.

Besides, I thought with a strange sort of glee. I can just launch it into a star along the way. That'd be nice.

Meanwhile…

Checking his uniform one last time, and once more finding it spotless, he strode up to the reception desk, noting it was currently occupied by an asari. He'd just missed shift change; a shame, seeing as he preferred the human secretary. She noticed him approaching, briefly glancing over his uniform, and put on a polite smile, which he returned only out of common courtesy.

"Hello. What can I do for you?"

Not feeling like wasting time, he went straight to the point. "I'm here for a meeting with Ambassador Udina."

She nodded, looking at a screen, which doubtless had the list of appointments for the embassy. Apparently what she saw surprised her, as she stared at the screen for a moment longer than necessary. "I see. You're one of his 'special guests'. Please stand by for genetic confirmation."

He grunted, understanding the security but still somewhat annoyed by it.

A panel slid open on top of the receptionist's desk, revealing a bio scanner, and she gestured to it. "Place your hand on the scanner, please."

Complying, he placed his hand on it, feeling a tingling vibration as the security device checked his DNA. A moment passed before it dinged in the affirmative, and he removed his hand.

Having waited for it, the secretary gave him another smile and gestured to the stairwell on her left. "The Ambassador is waiting for you, Captain Anderson. Have a pleasant day."

"You too," he said, more out of habit than anything else, climbing the stairs to Udina's office.

Now, what's got him so paranoid this time? He normally doesn't require a gene scan unless something major is in the works… it probably has to do with the Normandy, though, considering he asked for me specifically.

Coming up to Udina's door, he thought about buzzing it before noticing the interface was green, meaning it was already unlocked, and he instead simply walked in. Sure enough, the man he was supposed to meet with was at his desk, working away at something; and not bothering to interrupt, David strode over in front of his desk and stood there, hands behind his back, not quite at the position of attention but most certainly more rigid than usual. Udina spared him a glance, however, and paused what he was doing to acknowledge him.

"Captain," Udina said in greeting, about as cordial and talkative as ever.

"Ambassador," he replied, being just as curt.

"No doubt you wonder why I called you here."

David could think of any number of reasons, but the one that stood out to him most was the prototype vessel he'd been assigned to, and he voiced as such. "From what I know, and was told before arrival, it has something to do with the Normandy."

Typically, a top secret Alliance project like the Normandy would be under wraps to the point that David wouldn't have even been allowed to leave its location until it was finished, never mind receive messages and summons. But given the nature of the vessel and its joint design with the turians, and how it wouldn't have even made it past the concept phase if it was given less attention – due to its price tag – it only made sense that Udina was aware of it.

The man in question harrumphed, and nodded slightly. "You could say it has something to do with our latest weapon, yes; but in truth, I called you, specifically, here for something else."

Intrigued, David quirked a brow. "I'll try to help in any way I can, Ambassador."

Staring at him for a moment, followed by nodding to himself, Udina stood up from his chair and walked over to his terrace. He then turned towards David again with a thoughtful look on his face. "You can relax, Anderson; this conversation will most likely be a long one."

Complying with the offer, David unfolded his arms and walked over next to Udina on the terrace, briefly looking out over the Presidium Commons and admiring the beauty of it before focusing back on Udina, just in time as he began speaking again. "The reason I requested to speak to you in person is due to humanity being given an opportunity by the Council that we haven't had in well over a decade, one that I'm sure you are personally familiar with."

David couldn't help but stare in shock at first, but he quickly smothered it under military professionalism and decided to confirm what he already knew in his gut. "And what, pray tell, is the opportunity?"

"As if you don't know," Udina said, narrowing his eyes in irritation before smoothing his features back to where they were. "It's high time that this happened: Humanity has been asked to provide a candidate for membership in the Spectres. And as the knowledge is outside of my field, I require your assistance in choosing who the Alliance puts forward."

Even expecting it, David let out the air he didn't realize he was holding in, and let his mind begin compiling a list of suitable names almost automatically. Most didn't get more than a second thought, but a select few rose to the forefront, as they had more than demonstrated their ability to be a solid contender. One in particular caught his attention – partly due to David knowing the man on a personal basis, granted – but he knew the others would need to be examined just the same to ensure he wasn't allowing himself to be biased. This was an important issue, after all; he wouldn't allow the person chosen to be anything less than the best humanity has to offer.

"I can already think of a few," he eventually replied, making Udina brighten up ever so slightly. At least, insomuch as the man ever did.

"Good. Then let's begin the process. With any luck, we may even have a candidate before the day's end…"

Well, we can all guess how that discussion is going to end, now can't we?

Chapter got delayed a couple times due to me removing and rewriting some sections. Just didn't mesh well. But finally, after a long wait, it is finished, and my folder for cut content is remarkably thicker now. Eh, such is the life of an author I suppose.

Have nothing else to say, really, so I'll end it here. As is tradition: I hope you enjoyed, and I'll see you next time!