[Citadel, Tayseri] Leaving the Ducts Charity Dinner (Open to all)

Xuumo couldn't tell if Lowell was merely indulging him or if he genuinely wanted to talk. For a human, he was rather difficult to read; but then such was to be expected for a diplomat, no?

"Modestly: Nothing of note. I find myself, however, in the position of having to consider my options. A position has opened on the staff of one of our ambassadors. Dismissive: The details do not matter, but I have been asked to take up the post.

Satisfaction: I have been eager to resume my career where I left off. The war proved to be quite a disruption. The location, however, leaves something to be desired".

Arina understood that Tayseri's safety was Max's priority. Not the worst approach in general, she thought. Her concern was more about the kids, the asari in particular.

"Absolutely right! I sure hope the people of Tayseri see that too. Some must since you got elected. I think, the children, or 'teenagers', as the humans say, need to get off the streets and find opportunities in society, be it on the Citadel or elsewhere. What's worse than gangs is the illegal prostitution for asari! You should also do something about that too, Assemblyman. But most of the time, gangs, drugs and illegal prostitution are one and the same thing. Giving the youth a perspective and meaningful things they can attend to, they are out of the influence of the gangers."

She took her glass and offered a toast to Max.
"But there's not only business tonight," she smiled. "I am getting a bit hungry."

"So it would appear Laykalar, but I'm guessing that your esteemed guests are less than impressed by what you accomplished here tonight", Snow briefly breaking eye contact with Laykalar, gazing at the gala, noting that he couldn't have organized it to such a degree. The red hood's role in Leaving the Ducts was surveillance and internal security. In the short time Laykalar had volunteered, he managed to organize a syllabus for the duct rats, get a personal appearance from Assemblyman Valliario tonight, in addition to the logsitics involved in preparation for all the guests, "I sure as hell couldn't pull it off." Snow thinking as he turned his attention back to Laykalar and the scholar delegation, his grey eyes exuding an icy formality, deciding to get the truth out of the hanar elders, courtesies be damned.

"Isn't that right? You lot seem to be keeping yourselves apart from the gala because you believe it beneath you? Please correct me if I'm wrong but I imagine you academic types are unfamiliar with the grim realities of the postwar reconstruction," Snow remarking coldly to the delegation, to the red hood's surprise, he found himself angry at the indifference exuding from the hanar elders, as if they had all the answers and basic struggles of the poor and forgotten were not their problem...

Max nodded at Arina, making sure to keep his eyes in a polite place. "You're absolutely right. Gangs are a one-stop-shop for some of the worst criminal acts that are committed on the station. That's why I'm pushing for legislation on law enforcement and security every chance I get. We need to take down these gangs, and give these exploited young adults new opportunities so they don't get sucked into a life of crime and go beyond saving. It's our obligation to the next generation."

Max lifted a new glass off a passing server, clinking his against Arina's and meeting her toast half way. "How could I forget; I must have gotten too carried away talking about the issues our station faces. We should find our seats. After you, my dear..."

After cycling by Vindi and...well, very shallow small talk, trying to avoid making Vindi feel bad by going on about her hot husband and the various other sexy dudes she seemed to find without trying. And since her pool (heterosexual-enough male drell) was so much smaller than whatever Vindi was fishing in...well, she really didn't want to make Vindi feel bad.

She held her drink in one hand, elbowing Hadas and discretely pointing at Max. She made the symbol for money, then turned and walked over.

"Excuse me, did I hear correctly? Assemblyman?" Her dress was cheap. Her confidence was unaffected. "My name is Kayana Pesh"

"True, if there's one constant on Illium, it's the pragmatic avarice of the megacorps. But then again, that can be said for just about any interstellar business concern," Alystae observing, letting a wry grin form as she let Daia redirect the discussion towards reconstruction, the younger maiden's remarks about Thessia being set to the side for the time being. Finishing the bourbon Alystae thought about her home settlement, Nartin, and the heavyhanded way the republics and SATAE tried to reopen the mine owned by Elkoss Combine,

"My birthplace, Nartin was 'lucky', if you consider 5/6 of the population killed as fortunate. I heard they restarted mining operations, but apparently the charity they sent there hit a snag, my best guess, they didn't have a local in their group." The tall maiden's Nartin accent becoming more distinct as she spoke, maintaining eye contact with Daia, "But my mom and sister pulled through, against all odds, I suppose that is something. Motioning to a waiter for a refill, Alystae turned back to Daia T'Nara, raising her glass sardonically, "here's to blind luck and fortunate timing, without both, we all would be dead."

There was something about an offended hanar that could easily be considered ironic. For a people who delighted in wordplay and the use of language, they could fall all too easily into silence, a silence which could only be described as cold.

After a moment, Tathissyl addressed Snow, apparently looking down at him in more ways than one.

"These ones are not unappreciative of the efforts undertaken by the other. They do not, however, see validity in the other's acrimony. The reluctance of these ones to immerse within the assembled crowd is not due to assumed superiority, but as a means to retain correct distance from subjects under observation. To become directly involved in indulgencies such as those on offer is not a choice which finds favour among these ones' membership. The other would do well to avoid inaccurate assumptions".

Laykalar could tell that Snow didn't like that. The human had a low tolerance for being patronized, even by human standards.

The young hanar pulsed unhappily. "It was this one's intention for the evening's structure to serve as an introduction to hanar philosophies, while encouraging guests to explore the opportunities for insight regarding the pertinent issue in a manner of their own choosing. It has previously interacted with many of tonight's guests via the extranet, and believes they have much to offer!"

Jasthe was dismissive.

"Unstable individuals encountered on the extranet - particularly those associating with disreputable sites intended by their very nature to stoke alarm - are neither representative of the general populace nor suitable for intellectual exchange".

Dimly, Laykalar tried to defend himself. "With humility, it suggests that the experiences of such beings may be more representative than the honoured others believe".

"Yes wars have a tendency to be... disruptive, but it will get better, it always does. Anyway, I am glad you managed to find a post within the embassy, I am sure you will be an asset to the Ambassador."

---

Meanwhile Hadas rejoined Kayana, after a pit-stop by the buffet, just in time to introduce himself to Max.

"and my name's Hadas Kronos, her husband."

Max had this charm that only politicians had. The closer you got to them, the more appealing they appeared. Arian had no particular knowledge about Max other than having noted him a bit during his election campaign and after. Tayseri was not her home ward so she wasn't too familiar with local polotics. His basic claim to keep the station independent and secure was something she could relate to though.

“You know, the Citadel is the symbol of galactic neutral grounds. Here everyone can come together on equal terms. As a diplomat I am all for a safe station, not depending on anyone else.” In fact, this had always been the sari doctrine, hence submitting the Destiny Ascension to the Citadel Fleet.

She nodded and proceeded to a table when a drell girl approached them. Arina stopped and greeted with a nod, waiting for Max.

Xuumo had the suspicion that he was overstaying his welcome. Perhaps it was time to find someone else to talk to. He'd achieved all he could reasonably ask for; Lowell would remember him, however unimportant he judged the meeting. Somewhere down the line, it might come in useful.

"Polite formality: It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Lowell. Knowingly: I had better go find my ward, ensure he's not uncomfortable. With formal reverence: May earth preserve you".

A small pun, for a Terran.

For a small and newly established charity, Leaving the Ducts was attracting some rather powerful people. That, of course, could be both a boon and a curse, and the urge to take advantage sat uneasily with the thought that he should take care to distance himself from entanglements.

Where was Alonso?

Arthur keeps smiling warmly to the host. He repositions his free hand from behind his back to his pocket, taking a more casual -yet still politely formal- posture.
"Well I can safely say that there were a variety of factors at play... First of all, as a SATAE Minister I am practically obliged to attend such gatherings. Not to give the impression that I treat it as a chore of course. 'Obliged' might a bit too strong of a word... in any case I greatly enjoy attending such events. You might say that there are just as many other similar events cross the entire Solar System that I could've gone to... Well, this is where my new friends natural silvertongue diplomatic persuasion skills come into play!" The human gives Taleeze a friendly grin.

"Like I said I am enjoying myself greatly and I will be happy to assist you in your efforts in any way possible. Allow me to officially state that the Alliance is supportive of any and every initiative such as yours! And of cours-" His little blush-evoking speech was interrupted by a seemingly inebriated woman; her intoxicated appearance didn't do her looks justice. Arthur pauses for a second, smile fading from his face briefly. He looks blankly at the exchange and then following the woman with his eyes for a few seconds as she walks. His head turns back to his little group. He bounces on his heels squeezes his companion's arm briefly. Putting on his smile yet again he says lightheartedly "Well... and your buffet's being made the most of. I believe we can safely call this event a success now!"

Taleeze was about to object that she had nothing to do with them being at the banquet since it had been completely on Hoffmann's expense, but uh-oh, there came Sarah! Their last exchange had not been on the lightest terms in a small PM exchange. She winced a bit just when Arthur was squeezing her arm.
So it was just a weak "Hello Sarah", that came from her lips.

"Be right back guys, sorry. Go mingle!", simply said Michelle with a quick smile before guiding Sarah in a less populated area of the restaurant.
"First, thank you so much for the donation, it's very generous, thank you!"
Also we should address your guilt spending someday...
"So she's back hu? I'm very sorry to learn that Sarah... Can't believe she came here either, she got off lucky, didn't see the bitch...
I'm sorry to tell you that she may have a case. She is legally a parent... Listen, I'm too busy and I don't want to rush this. For now maybe go eat something, leave alcoholic drinks alone, and try to have a nice time alright? I'll have to go give another speech soon, but I'll check in on you."

Sarah gave an appreciative nod. "I'm going to stop drinking. I've got a journalist to wrangle- I'm sorry if he's embarassing. Listen, please get in touch with me after the dinner. We could talk and catch up, provided none of us are busy." She slipped an arm around Michelle's neck, giving her a hug before slipping away back to Duffy, who was going over his mail on his omnitool.

"So- Did everything go alright with that woman?" Paul asked, looking up from the glowing orange device on his wrist. Sarah gestured off at the floating camera drone and curled her hands into fists.

"Can you shut that damn thing off? You're harassing people. I thought you were a journalist, not some damn shutterbug." She took a seat near him, thumb wiping away at the undersides of her eyes. "I mean, come on. Please? I knew you were going to do this, but you're laying it on thick. Chris- That woman was my ex wife. I can't escape." She leaned back, pressing her face in her hands.

"It's going to be okay. You've got a lawyer. I'm here if you want to talk- And about the camera drone, I'm sorry. I'm trying to get my foot in the door-" The man folded his arms together and eyed the woman near him up and down. "I - Okay. I'll shut the thing down. I've taken enough. We can talk if you'd like." He waved his wrist.

The omnitool beeped- And the camera drone vanished.

"Individuals met on the extranet? For all your talk of observing from afar you've already drawn your damn conclusions," Snow retorting angrily, the implication all too evident. These goddamn 'elders' had decided that Leaving the Ducts was a waste of time, not worthy of support or further inquiry because of advertising on the extranet????? Clenching his fist Snow looked up directly at the elders, the anger and disdain now plainly obvious for everyone to see as he lit into the scholars,

"First, Laykalar did not meet us on the extranet, he inquired about the charity at a new years party. If you old bastards even bothered to pay attention you would already know that fact," the words an enraged hiss from Snow's lips as he blasted back. "And that leads me to the heart of the argument, you scholars, thinkers, and philosophers, you damn lot have never been tested. You've never tasted desperate like billions of others in the war, yet you assume that observing from afar that you know more about the issue of war orphans and poverty than Laykalar. That's fuckin' laughable even at it's most charitable. As for you," the red hood whirling around to the hanar that had just accused the entire extranet of being a haven of unstable psychopaths, "The only reason you came here was to confirm your damn prejudices, you had no real honest intention of putting Laykalar's assertions to the test. I find that dishonest, disgusting and patronizing, to raise my...friend's hopes like that only to attempt to chop him down to size." Snow found himself shocked by his public admission, but pressed on, intent on adding the finishing touch,

"What Laykalar accomplished here tonight was nothing short of incredible, and if you fuckin' lot can't even bring yourself to admit that, then I'm sorry Laykalar, but I can find no use for any of them...." the last words dripping with contemptuous venom as Snow's steel grey eyes turned back to Laykalar, a hint of embarrasment peeking through the rage as he finished.

Max was just about to respond to Arina's comment and follow her over to the table when he heard someone addressing him. He turned to see a Drell female in a less-than-expensive dress had materialized beside him. Not missing a beat, he flashed a smile and a nod in greeting, doing the same for her self-declared husband once he stepped up beside her.

"Kayana, Hadas, a pleasure to meet both of you. What brings you here tonight?" Max kept his attitude friendly and cooperative, even though warning bells were going off in the back of his head. At a function like this you never knew if the person walking up to you was earnestly happy to see you, wanted something from you- be it money or favors, or was just out to get you. That, and he was slightly annoyed at getting pulled away from his pretty Asari companion. Still, work was work. He was just being extra vigilant after his standoff with Lowell.

"I work with..." She was the intern. There was no-one lower on that organizational chart than her. "...The Thane Krios Memorial foundation. We do some outreach with drell duct rats. It's good to be connected."

She wanted money. She wanted him to vote her way-he could just see her circling around to it. "Are you enjoying the..."

Wait, where was he? Her eyes darted around, quickly re-spotting Lowell. Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"..the ah, evening so far?"

Poor Sarah, Taleeze thought, when Michelle was leading her off. Being caught between a rock and a hard place with the baby and that terrible situation with her ex wife was tearing her apart. At least Taleeze knew that Daia had become a friend for the human and she know from personal experience how good this could be. While not completely sure about Sarah’s stance towards herself at this point, she decided to try and keep up with things as well as she could. Daia’s friends were her friends as well after all and she wished the woman a positive outcome of this, however that may be achieved.

Daia was conversing with that other asari, the turians had moved on somewhere else. Let’s say hello to Arina and … oh, that could be Kayana! She had no exact idea who the turian was though but by the posture, someone important. The lack of facepaint ruled out an ambassador though. She was curious.

“Arthur, over there is someone I’d like to introduce you to.” She nodded towards the group. Taking his arm she took the lead and approaches the quartet. Arina, who was standing a bit behind Max, noted them first and Taleeze greeted the fellow asari, before addressing the group.

“Good evening! What a wonderful assembly”, she nodded to the others and offered her hands to Arina, with whom she was already personally familiar.“I hope we’re not disturbing? I am Taleeze, friend of Miss Arina here. This is my dear new friend Arthur Hoffmann, Minister at the SATAE."

Arina was happy to see the familiar face of the cheerful young maiden, noting the unconventional almost turian style make-up. Did she ever wear a dress twice, she thought with a chuckle. And she of course noted the impressive man at her side. She took the offered hands and pressed them warmly.

“Welcome, Taleeze, what brings you to the Citadel?” then bowing slightly to Hoffmann. “Minister, a pleasure to meet you. I am Arina Caenis, asari embassies.” A full fledged minister next to an assemblyman , that was impressive,. LTD was attracting influential people. She thought for a moment about introducing or having everyone introduce themselves. She wasn’t familiar with the drell but protocol dictated she should at least name them.

“This is Assemblyman Vallario, Miss Pesh from Krios Memorial and company…“ oh, small fauxpas. The male drell behind Kayana had not introduced himself yet. But the atmosphere was not overly stiff so she judged that none of the official representatives would mind and the man could name himself if he deemed it appropriate

"Hadas Kronos, priest of the old gods and my husband." This was a lot of powerful people, but she refused to be intimidated. She extended her hand to each person in turn. "The one remaining non-waiter drell in the room is Azure. It's a nom de guerre."