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

"I will," Daia promised Kayana, before both of them turned to Max's mini-speech.

"Certainly," she agreed. "I'm sure the reconstruction and relief efforts are very grateful for ongoing support like yours. Some of the political backers, removed from the actual needs their work is addressing, seem a bit too inclined to see the crisis as 'over' just because the relays are reopened."

She took a moment to greet Taleeze's company for the dinner, raising an eyebrow and smiling when she realised he was an acquaintance-in-passing, from the forum - one of the bright spots of sanity, too.

"Minister Hoffmann," she replied warmly. "Good- oop," she grinned as the microphone tapping heralded another speech, and finished with a whispered "Good to meet you in person."

Michelle was in quite a rousing mood, but justifiably, when she began to reveal how much she and her companions had achieved; Daia joined in the applause at the appropriate intervals, and added her own cheering (actually a two-century-old Omega Weyrloc call-to-battle, but rendered in her rather more gentle voice she didn't expect anyone to recognise it anyway).

Max restarted the quiet conversation in their area among those who didn't have questions for Michelle at the moment, and Daia gave an elegant shrug.

"Just catching up with a few friends," she admitted. "I'm based on Illium, so LTD's work happens far away from where I have any influence to offer - not that I'm one of the power players at home, in any case. But every bit helps, so I managed to squeak in a round trip and a ticket to the dinner without breaking the bank." She chuckled to herself. "Besides, a couple of people beforehand who knew me mainly from Bliss were under the impression I'd turn up wearing something scandalous. So it was a matter of honour to prove I don't always carry on like that."

“It’s been a pleasure, Alystae. Good luck with your pildavi bar!” She then turned to face the stage and listen to Michelle’s fiery speech. Of course she applauded excitedly. It was a never ending battle against poverty and social problems but successes like LTD could present them were an encouraging example for everyone in the room to give additional support in their areas of influence.

Max paused momentarily from his informal campaigning among the guests to listen to Michelle's speech. He had to hand it to Ms. Rondor- he finally remembered her name -she knew how to work a crowd. It made him wonder how good a politician she might make in a hypothetical situation, and also made him note never to get on the bad side of her or her organization. He'd have to make sure to continue his visible and vocal support of this organization throughout his career.

With the speech done, he turned his attention back to Daia, nodding as he listened to her talk about how she'd ended up at the dinner that evening. However, it was when she mentioned the Bliss Festival that his mind skipped a beat; first from recalling the shenanigans he'd been involved in there, and second as he finally figured out where he'd probably seen this Asari from...

...though he'd have to double check his personal, "exotic" vid collection when he got home to make sure on his hypothesis.

"Mmm. I agree. Anyone with any sort of notoriety at all attending a function like this will help raise awareness for LTD and its cause. That's why I'm doing my part by attending. I may only be a humble, freshman assemblyman, but I like to think I can at least get some people to take the Duct Rat problem more seriously and volunteer their time and resources to help."

Max made sure to turn the modesty up to about 11 when talking about himself.

"I'd like to think that I factor into your solutions for Tayseri Ward, Assemblyman Vallario," Alystae drawling, standing to the side of Kayana Pesh. The Co-op head inclining her head in greeting as she made her introduction, making sure to lead with talk about Vallario, not herself. "a rookie mistake kiddo", Alystae thinking as she gave Kayana a knowing smile.

"Oh silly me, where are my manners. Alystae T'Naron, independent business owner and part time community organizer, at your service Assemblyman Vallario. A pleasure to meet my representative face to face," the maiden giving the smooth talker a humble yet gracious smile, hoping to get Max Vallario to talk a bit more about a Citadel Militia. Setting her water down, Alystae giving the diplomat Arina Caenis a perfunctory nod, the owner of Freezer's Perch allowed herself to fall into Assemblyman Vallario's orbit.

Kayana snickered. "Yeah Max, my wineglass arm is really getting a workout."

Oh wait. That hadn't been a joke. He'd was spinning that ENTIRELY SERIOUSLY. She'd blame being two cups in, but even completely sober, she was too used to being ridden and teased to EVER take humblebragging like that seriously.

Her face burned and she drained the rest of said wineglass.

Max raised a browplate incredulously at Kayana, but bit his tongue. Politicians getting into arguments or blowing up on people never played well on the extranet. Ever. Under any circumstances. Better to just smile and act like nothing happened. And that was exactly what he did, adding in a little chuckle for good effect. "Good one," was all he said, raising his own glass a little before taking another sip.

Well, the Krios Monument Foundation was going to have a slightly harder time ever getting his attention from now on.

On that note, Max turned his attention to yet another Asari that had entered the picture- they certainly did like their social causes, having spent so long as the 'superior' species of Citadel Space. Max smiled back graciously at the woman in return, subtly appraising her. "Miss T'Naron, a pleasure to meet you as well."

Independent business owner and community organizer? From his district? If that didn't scream gobs of campaign money for re-election next year, Max didn't know what did. Plus, easy on the eyes to boot. He'd have to work on this opportunity for sure. "Glad to see our small business leaders are taking an interest in this issue as well."

After getting off the stage Michelle went straight to Laykalar.

"Hey Laykalar... You don't seem ok, Is it about those elders?"

For all she loved that little guy, she still felt awkward sometimes with him sometimes. Most of her body language or comfort touches were lost on him and vice versa. Even the sympathy in her voice may or may not be properly carried through translation.
Which is why she had something ready for that. She pulled out neon glasses off her purse and put them on instead of her regular black glasses. She then activated an app on her omni-tool and the glasses started emitting hanar-like light. Specifically warm lights that were supposed to convey friendship, sympathy, concern, comfort.



"I don't know if that helps at all, but... You know we're here for you right?"

"Any reason why I shouldn't take an interest Mr. Vallario? After the past five years, citadel security would be paramount for everyone." Alystae replying smoothly, letting the pol take her measure, among other things. Despite her unknown status to the Maverick, the maiden knew she made him curious. An independent cooperative of small businesses in need of a political patron, always a snare to an statesman on the make. "Keep him talking girl, he's interested", Alystae hiding her reaction to being eyed up, refocusing her honey eyes back on Max Vallario.

"All of us have heard of your plans for citadel wide defense initative, but I must confess that I am curious as to the details. One detail in particular, will the defense militia be recruited from the citizens, or will it be a standing army recruited from the Council races?" Giving Max the Maverick a inquisitive smile, the co-op head attempting to play up the stereotype of the fun loving maiden, hoping to get the politican to use the opportunity to elaborate. If there was going to be a citadel militia, the New Dillinaga Co-op would be in at the ground floor...

Wandering the hall, Snow was back at work, his blow up with Laykalar's elders scratching in the back of his mind but his demeanor unchanged, dour. Nearing the tables by the buffet, the ex-marine passed by a no nonsense turian who was with a tall quarian, the latter with an air of disdain. "Who pissed in your exosuit bucket?" Snow thinking as he rounded the area, the suit Laykalar gave him was surprisingly comfortable, allowing for smooth movement. Just as Snow turned to head back to the entrance to meet up with Shaart, his omnitool began flashing...

Ducking into an service hallway, the red hood bringing up the display, his makeshift alarm system at Leaving the Ducts had worked, the screen showing three intruders on the building's roof. Sighing in resignation, Snow switched on his comm, calling Shaart as he headed to where his street gear was located, "Hey Shaart, need you to patrol the main hall, got a break in at the office." Switching over to Laykalar's frequency, Snow began pulling on his gloves, the young man's face a stony mask, his soft raspy voice all business, "Hey Laykalar, got a break in at the office, probably just some duct rats screwing around but I'm going to check it out, let the boss know for me. Quietly." A hard smile creasing Snow's features as he switched off the omnitool, heading to the service exit.

Laykalar had often read with interest of the phenomenon the humans called "uncanny valley", that point at which a construct or image conveyed enough features characteristic of an actual person that it should provoke empathy, but which failed to match standards of aesthetics and so instead produced an instinctive revulsion. The learned Rondor's glasses might well be the hanar equivalent. They were almost mesmerizing, surprisingly effective in reproducing the sub-linguistic emotional cues of an actual hanar. In that sense, they were a triumph of ingenuity. Perhaps it was simply his awareness of Rondor's natural enthusiasm on top of the visual effect, but Laykalar couldn't help but find them rather... excessive. Brimming with so much goodwill and cheer that it was almost (he tried to recall the word)... creepy. He appreciated that the glasses were likely for his benefit, though, and he was torn between a warm relief that he was valued here and a sense of unease. Not so much because of the glasses, but over the fact that once again his own approach to mutual understanding was closer to that of the aliens than to his own community.

The aliens? He was unsure why he should have thought of them in such homogenous terms. Between Sarah's comments on the virtue of his enthusiasm and his colleagues' support, he was being made to feel a success, that he was fulfilling the requirements of the original expedition. Yet his elders' opinion conflicted with that assumption.

He answered Rondor a little unsteadily. "This one has been anxious to make a case for itself, to impress upon its learned betters the value of its work. It was hoping that the evening's events would integrate the two communities of which it has become a part. Instead, it fears it has caused further division, and failed to effectively demonstrate what it has learnt".

"All causes external to preparation for the Final Enkindlement are mere flailing against the tide" said Justicar, earning her an apparent glare from Rondor (though the glasses undoubtedly sent a very different message than the intended one).

It was then that Laykalar received the communication from Snow. He listened in rising alarm, and then tried to settle himself, unsuccessfully. If only he could believe that it was merely a small number of students engaged in mischief! He had feared something else would go wrong. The future of Leaving the Ducts depended on this event's success. The politicians, business leaders and community members must leave with a sense of satisfaction, the belief that their monetary contributions would be handled sensibly and be put to good use. This was the charity's chance to really make an effective argument for their work, and all of it depended on his own judgement. Had he miscalculated? Would their guests be leaving with the impression that Leaving the Ducts was less than capable in managing its own affairs, let alone the needs of the vulnerable youngsters they were supposed to be helping?

He pulsed in distress. Moving gingerly across to Rondor, akin to a human cautiously approaching a mad-eyed grinning clown with its own halo, he tried to sound more confident than he felt. "This one has received a cautionary notice from Mr. Snow. He is investigating a possible security breach at these one's office".

Between the translated sound and the natural light, he couldn't determine whether or not Sarah and Justicar had heard him. He had the impression that he was speaking a little brighter and more intensely than usual, and part of him remembered that he still had some mindfish in his dispenser. He absorbed it quickly.

Alonso sidled up to Xuumo, still looking uncomfortable in his formal suit.

"Slight exasperation: I was wondering where you'd gotten to".

"They had some hanar stuff that we used to get from one of the restaurants, when they threw it out". A pause. "You're not eating anything".

He rumbled an acknowledgement. "I don't wish to put too much strain on the caterers".

"Do the hanar get their toxins on food when they handle it? How does everyone not get poisoned?"

"Rebukeful: Is there anything useful you can speculate on, Alonso? Or anything to tell me?"

"They're talking about some militia".

Were they now? It was hard for an elcor to turn his head and look, and shuffling around for a better view was hardly a discreet manoeuver when you were wedged in between tables and talking, dining guests. He imagined someone was talking with Vallario. The man was a fool, but getting the lay of the land regarding how his ideas were being received might be useful.

"Conspiratorially: Go and listen in on them, be discreet".

"Sure. Do I get paid or anything? Because if we're a team you should really start paying me".

"Drily sarcastic: I thought the roof over your head and the steady supply of food was payment enough. With false inspiration: Or you can consider the suit your payment. It took me some time to acquire that".

"Yeah, I know. You've told me". A sly look appeared on his face. "You know, Ms. Rondor was mentioning about how people used Duct Rats as scouts and lookouts. Which is what you do".

"Firmly: You are not living that life any more. And you won't be again".

Arina had kept a bit in the background, observing the conversations until Michelle held her speech. She applauded and was a bit proud that she had helped some of the kids find a new goal in life. Last she had checked some of those that had submitted applications for Huntress Monasteries had already left the Citadel for evaluation programs. She was also glad, Michelle was not advertising the details too much. While not being anything objectionable, Arina was well aware that the program had a political aspect to it and was better handled with care in public.

“Ms T’Naron, a pleasure to meet you.” She greeted the other asari. She had the faint impression to have seen the face before but could not place it. Probably CDN if she judged the familiarity with Taleeze right. But Max seemed to just suck all the asari in, he was such a natural charmer.

She was also interested in Alystae’s question towards Max. Arina knew about the defense initiatives from certain political groups. Of course as a diplomat who valued the independence of Citadel administration, she had an opinion on the matter. If the asari wanted to talk about that topic, she’d be in to hear what others thought about that. “Interesting question, I’d like to hear about the plans as well.”

Michelle frowed at the mention of a break in.
"Yeah, probably a bunch of kids messing around..."
She hesitated to contact C-Sec, but if it really were kids they could end up in serious trouble. She'd had to trust that Snow would manage well.
"Anyway, back on the topic..."
Michelle adjusted her glasses through her omni-tool.
Digestive system pain, religious enthusiasm, slight sexual arousal.
"Wait no, that's not right." She adjusted again.
Seriousness, comforting and expository attitude.
"There we go. So, when I was eighteen years old a good friend of mine and I went to a part of Earth called India. It was a rather
exotic place, very different from what we were used to. During our trip however, she decided to stick to a very narrow visit plan, while I wanted to meddle with the local population.
We basically split up from most of the trip, I would spend time with locals, learn their customs. She would visit the touristic places with guides.
At the end of the trip she knew much more than I did about the country's history and landmarks, and I knew a lot about the locals from the town we were in.
I think your so-called betters would consider my own experience worthless because less encompassing. I had an inside view of the Indian culture, but very narrow and subjective.
Here's the thing though. Three years later there were riots in that region, and I knew their cause. Had I been a scholar, I could have informed everyone what exactly happened, or even warned them beforehand.

From what I understood your elders think your work here is academically worthless because you don't have a global perspective. The thing is that a global perspective is made of narrow ones if you want it to be worth a damn.

More importantly you're doing things differently than they do. Almost every great person I can think off in history started being great by doing things differently. Disapproval from old people set in their way is something you can't avoid. It may even mean you are doing something right...

More importantly you're helping people here. You're helping kids. You're making things better. Nothing's more important than that."

She turned toward Justicar.

"The Final Enkindlement involves the return of Shepard no? We're trying to bring sentients together, it was like her N°1 cause. So in a way I'd say we are preparing."

Sarah followed Laykalar, abruptly ending her conversation with the sterner hanar without a smile. With her date in tow, Sarah looked between Michelle and Laykalar. "I'd overheard- Something about a security breach and Snow? Is there any way I can help? I'm not in high heels and I'm sure I can be of assistance." She glanced down at her bare feet. She hated heels. Her voice had a slight slur to it, and when she refocused on Laykalar, she cleared her throat and spoke as plainly as possible.

"I - Paul and I can definitely assist." She gave a slow nod. Paul seemed to protest being volunteered.

"I- I can't- What on earth could I do?" He spoke at a whisper. "I'm not a soldier, why do I have to go?" He furrowed a brow. "I mean, I'm not going to risk it, why should I?"

Sarah pressed a hand into her forehead and turned to her date. "Look- Okay. You don't have to go if you don't want to, and I don't even know if they're going to let us. Come on, are you afraid or something? I'm a biotic, and you've covered wars, right?"

"Yeah."

"What's a street punk to a Reaper husk?"

"You've got a point."

Discretion was essential. It was most essential indeed. Very essential.

Laykalar swayed slightly in place. "This one greatly appreciates the other's offer". He gestured towards Sarah, remembering almost belatedly that without making a movement they might not know who he was talking to.

He considered that perhaps he should have taken more time with the mindfish. He still didn't know where Justicar had gotten it from, and he was admittedly unfamiliar with most variants. The ritual of recreational chemical consumption was a fascinating cross-cultural tradition that... crossed cultures traditionally. Yes. He felt a little uncertain, but he tried to show his appreciation for both the learned Rondor's comment and Sarah's offer of assistance.

"This one will make its rounds and ensure everything is functioning correctly. It will also take the time to consider the learned other's exemplary tale". He tried to concentrate on what he was sure must be a very important argument. To Sarah: "If the other would accompany this one, it would be welcome. It will just ensure that things are operating as planned".

Michelle nodded.
"Thanks Sarah, I'd appreciate that. Maybe Paul can stay here though? We'll have other guest speakers, I'd hate for him to miss it for what will probably be nothing."

Max was a little curious that this Asari, out of the blue at this third-party fundraiser, wanted to hear about his defense initiative. Part of him thought it might be bait: something to lure him into speaking so that she could pull out some random factoid and start poking holes in his argument with reporters lurking around. On the other hand, he couldn't just be evasive when she was being this direct. Besides, she might earnestly be interested in his plan. He took the chance, smiling at Alystae as he started his explanation.

"Well, in keeping with my viewpoints on maintaining the self-governance of the Citadel, I've stipulated in my bill that it would in fact be a professional, standing army. But anyone wishing to join the Citadel Defense Force would have to be a permanent-resident of the station. The Council races each have their own militaries that have their own responsibilities, and they do their part to defend us. But as the Geth and Reaper attacks of the last few years have shown, we really need our own, home-grown, professional military force to supplement C-SEC and ensure that we're not left open if the Council races armed forces have their own concerns to focus on, as they tend to do. We're not going to hire mercenaries of course, and I think C-SEC's mandate should remain focused on law enforcement, so the only option is recruiting from Citadel citizens."

Max took a breath and another sip from his drink. Describing this bill was always a mouthful for him.

"Charmed, Alystae T'Naron", replying to Arina, keeping her focus on the pol, noticing that Max Vallario was thinking about the response, to see if Alystae was playing a game of 'gotcha'. "one way to find out Assemblyman, time to fish or cut bait." Picking up her water, the Co-op chief listened to the particulars, noting that in the true form of all political proposals Max Vallario was splitting the difference. A standing army to reassure the population, making it citadel centric to give locals a jolt along with assuring that the powers that be that such a move wouldn't threaten their respective fiefdoms.

"Quite the endeavor Mr. Vallario," Alystae letting her Nartin drawl creep through, "I'd imagine the biggest hurdle would be getting a training doctrine and cadre all the races could get behind. So it's safe to assume you will be lobbying for military talent to come to the Citadel, and of course I'd imagine command wouldn't be limited to just the races with a council seat. Given the nature of our Citadel in addition to the contributions that the krogan, volus, hanar, and all the others I failed to mention, a seat at the table for them wouldn't be unreasonable?"

Outside the gala, Snow was back in his element, racing on the rooftops as he closed on Leaving the Ducts. The young man knew he was no good in social settings, being an outcast makes niceties a very low priority as opposed to survival. The thought making Snow smile as he neared the row of apartments where the charity was based, spotting one of the intruders below at the entrance. Slowing up, Snow saw that he was too big to be a duct rat, and the air of belligerence..."Lower Tayseri Elite, damnit", Snow thinking as he keyed up the omnitool, checking the locks on the doors, the readout showing nothing broken. A clean entry job, Snow noting as he made his way into the nearby alley, using the building shadow as cover while devising a counter attack, "Gotta get this prick away from the door", thinking as he grabbed a empty bottle and threw it against the wall. "What the hell?" Snow ducking behind a crate as the ganger came around to check the noise, "Damn kids", the goon grumbling, looking around as Snow lowcrawled, nearing the point of attack.

"Shit, better call Durix", Snow rising as the ganger started to key on his comm, only to be blindsided by the Red Hood, Snow levelling him with a chop block, two more punches followed, rendering the LTE foot soldier unconscious. "Durix, here? Shit", Snow grumbling under his breath as he rounded the corner into the complex, his adrenaline pumping at the prospect of ambushing Boss Zahir's top enforcer, the Beast of Armiger himself...