Low key dealings, high yield returns. (closed)

"Now I am impressed, that you were actually able to find time for clawball during your first year in the academy. If the tales of Turian cadet initations can be believed", a throaty chuckle coming from the tall maiden, Max's fondness for the days in the academy making Alystae remember her first few months of training in the Nartin militia before being sent to learn the quartermaster's trade. "Makes me wonder if any of the old class are still alive", Alystae thought, her eyes turning wistful for a moment before regain her genteel yet jovial demeanor.

"But I digress, with the Keepers being reconstituted, I hope a citadel clawball team soon follows, if not for the need for a high speed, hard hitting sport if nothing else." Alystae's giving Max Vallario a knowing grin, pushing her finished plate aside. Taking another swallow of the bourbon, she motioned for the bartender to send over two glasses and two bottles, both filled with a bioluminescent, light blue liquid. An challenging grin forming on Alystae's face as she waited for Max to finish the meal, the dextro and levo 'Indigo Shimmer' present to seal the deal.

Max responded with a hearty laugh of his own. "It's a miracle I found time for anything during my first year, with how busy I was..." Max left out that very little of that had been studying, and mostly fraternizing with female cadets every chance he got. Being on the clawball team definitely helped his standing there. He missed Alystae's brief look of wistfulness as he recalled his youth, the conversation turning back to more cheerful matters.

Max grinned back at Alystae after her 'hard-hitting sport' comment. "Well, there are always other ways to break a sweat and blow off steam..." He said quietly with a wink. He looked on with interest as the bartender returned with two oddly glowing bottles. As she grinned at him like a predator eyeing prey, he had the sneaking suspicion he was about to go through some sort of initiation. He finished off the last bites of his food, pushing the plate aside. "Dare I ask what's in the bottles?"

"A delicacy from the southern pole settlement of Thessia, my home Max." Alystae's smile grew wider as the waiter removed the plates and poured a shot of the levo indigo shimmer into a glass for Alystae, and the dextro variant for Max the Maverick. The waiter leaving, Alystae continued the explanation of the 'delicacy'.

"I'm sure you've encountered other asari drinks, the wines of the Serrice vineyards, the brandies of Armali masters, my home Nartin, we went a different path. We call this drink here", the asari's drawl making here sound 'heah' "the Indigo Shimmer, 195 proof alcohol, mixed with Nartin mountain berries, chilled to slightly above freezing and served with a pinch of eezo. Some would consider the drink the epitome of my settlement." Finishing, the co-op chieftan gracefully raising her glass, her amber eyes challenging the politician all the while.

"Bottoms up Max?"

Max managed to- just barely -keep himself from doing a double-take. 195 proof? Holy shit. He hadn't touched anything near that potent since he was a newly-commissioned nugget with a carrier-space-group stationed out on a CDEM battle station. He manged to keep a straight-face however, giving Alystae a confident smirk as he raised his glass, clinking it against hers, his eyes locking with hers in an acceptance of her challenge."Bottoms up indeed."

With that being said, he threw back his head, gulping down the shot and bracing himself for the results.

"The flyboy has some real sand in him", Alystae thinking as she saw Max raise the glass even after her little exposition. Following suit the Ice Bitch raised her glass of indigo shimmer, the smooth yet highly potent alcohol hitting her throat as she downed the shot. "Wow, been away from home too long it seems", a giddy chuckle escaping Alystae's lips as she looked over at the rakish turian in expectation. The drink emboldening her further, the asari's hand gripping Max's claw again, this time giving him proper 'guidance' as she whispered her next proposition to the assemblyman.

"So, what's a freezer gotta do to convince you to help me finish these heah bottles?"

Alystae wasn't exaggerating about the strength of the alcohol; it's 195-proof rating was well-earned. Max managed to keep his composure, however, clearing his throat and shaking his head a bit as he set the shot glass back down. "And I've been out of the military too long. Back in the old days I'd already be ordering shot number two with a beer chaser to boot." He chuckled back, grinning as he suddenly felt his claw being moved after a long period of inactivity. Here we go...

"Welllll, there may be one or two things you could do to convince me..." Max whispered back in a husky tone as he started to shed more and more of his formal, politician's exterior as the alcohol flowed through him. "...Nothin' a smokin' young maiden like yourself couldn't handle." The look in his eyes stated the obvious.

"Careful Max, the one thing more dangerous than not getting your heart's desire, is actually getting it", Alystae smiling back at Max, seeing that the indigo shimmer did it's work splendidly. The co-op chieftan and assemblyman were well on their way drunk, and in no state to be in public. "Steady girl, pace yourself", Alystae thinking as she motioned deliberately to the waiter to remove the plates and empty glasses. The waiter closing the two bottles for the duo as well, anticipating their change of venue for the next round of negotiations.

"But if you want to walk this road Max, who am I dissuade you", Alystae giving Max a sly grin as she rose, pulling on her coat in anticipation, her yellow/amber eyes displaying a predatory anticipation as the invitation was made. "Just give me a moment to arrange transport for your staff and the...ride. Then we can make our way to my place. Don't worry Max, while I take pride in working in the mud and blood, I like to rest in more refined climes."

"They said the same thing when I won the election. I'm still alive so far. And if I was easily dissuaded, I wouldn't have run for public office in the first place." Max grinned back as he got to his feet, keeping his eyes locked on hers, accepting the invitation as if it was a challenge- which, it probably was in all respects. "My staff can find their own way back. All you have to worry about is some transport for just the two of us..."

The thought of getting the Asari alone made Max smirk knowingly, and he had to restrain himself from rubbing his claws together with glee. "I appreciate your invitation. I'm sure we'll be able to talk much more freely about 'policy' in a more relaxed and private environment..." He was practically drooling with anticipation.

"Quite the bold statement, though I think it's the mix of the shimmer and the flyboy talking", Alystae replying teasingly as her posture resumed the businesslike air she had at the beginning of the meeting. She motioned to Desmond & Aricia, the human and asari enforcers nodding in affirmation. Alystae turning back to Max after ensuring the safety of Max's staff, giving the turian pol a faux shocked look at his remark, "Nonsense Max, I'm a bit of an asari traditionalist when it comes to hosting guests", the smile teasing yet her posture and demeanor dead serious.

"Since neither of us is in a state to be seen in public, let alone operate heavy machinery, I have arranged transport, hope I'm not being too preemptive." The teasing air returning to Alystae's posture as she took another shot of indigo shimmer, the second shot going down easier for her as she looked at Max with a hint of sly expectation.

"I'd say mostly the flyboy part. The alcohol just amplifies it." Max chuckled, watching as she immediately turned back to her cold business attitude as she waved off her 'associates' and Max's interns. It was hard to tell what she was really thinking at any given time, or what the real Alystae was like. She was very good at switching from one persona or 'face' to another on a moment's whim, even with some booze in her. Max admired that. After all, he had to play different parts in his position as a politician. But it made him wary as well. He'd have to keep himself on guard- not an easy feat with how much his libido was pulling at the chain.

"Preemptive? Not at all. Very thoughtful of you." Max knocked back a second shot himself. If they were getting a ride anyway, why not go for broke? "I always admire a strong woman who can take initiative..." At this point, practically anything coming out of Max's mouth was an innuendo.

"Well then, looks like our ride is here. Oh, and the driver will be instructed to avoid high traffic areas." Alystae whispering to Max, her bottle in her left as the doors on the luxury hoversedan opening on either side, allowing both the gangster and politician easy entry as they passed the two interns, the college age kids not even giving Max or Alystae a second glance, the food and drink having their complete attention.

"Don't worry Max, I'll make sure neither of us regrets this in the morning, so you can ease up on the innuendo. Just sit back and enjoy the good things that this harsh life occasionally sends your way." Alystae's true face coming up, a sad sort of determination creeping through before her jovial, lusty demeanor returned as she took another swallow of the potent indigo shimmer. Scooting closer to Max, the two at eye level as the vehicle made it's way to the main drag leading to the upper part of Tayseri.

Max smirked to himself after Alystae whispered to him, taking a quick swig from his own bottle as he followed her over to the high-end sedan waiting for them. Obviously business was good for her if she could afford transport like this, as well as pick up the tab for Max and his interns- and his business would soon be adding onto that.

Max was a little taken aback by the Asari's blunt admission about how the rest of the evening would go. "Well, now that's the best news I've heard all evening," he said with a quiet chuckle. He wasn't used to women being that straight forward with him. It felt like a relief to not have to try as hard anymore. He did wonder if this was all just part of the plan of getting his business. She had been using her feminine wiles from the start to aid her case, of course; but he wondered if this part was simply sealing the deal for her and nothing more. But it was something about that bittersweet comment she made that made Max think otherwise; there was something more to this than money and power, there had to be.

As that poignant moment past, and a more playful attitude took hold of Alystae once more, Max casually wrapped an arm around her shoulder, grinning. "I'm all for enjoying the good things in life. In my line of work, all it takes is one bad news cycle to ruin your career. Gotta seize every chance you get to feel good before it all comes crashing down."

"Now you underestimate the fluid nature of public opinion Max. Five years ago Matriarch Aethyta was a laughing stock among my people, three years ago humans were still arrogant upstarts. It takes an act of extreme stupidity to ruin a political career for good, despite what nameless individuals might imply." The tall maiden shedding her peacoat, revealing her sleeveless white blouse. Alystae taking another swig of indigo shimmer as she kept her eyes on Max, despite the booze, the Ice Bitch wasn't averse to sleeping with him, for a brief moment, she saw the fire within. "Glad I scratched the surface, this might be fun", thinking to herself while trying to remember the last time she got laid postwar.

"A bit of advance warning Mr. Vallario", Alystae's voice taking on a teasing bent, making her dulcet accent more pronounced. "It's been almost a year for me, given my nature as a workaholic, I'm afraid you won't be getting much sleep. So get to work on the bottle flyboy," the co-op chieftan's smile becoming even more predatory as she positioned herself astride Max. "Tides know you're going to need it."

"That's true. Public opinion waxes and wanes. I've seen plenty of people in my line of work that were disgraced one year, and back at the top of their game a few years later." He shrugged before continuing. "It's just easier as a politician to always expect the worse. That way, if it happens, you're ready to claw yourself out of that hole and back up towards the top again..." Max trailed off at the end of his speech as Alystae took off her coat, trying not to stare. He was also trying to figure out the last time he'd been laid himself, though it was still considerably more recent than Alystae's last time- though it felt about as long to him. Sometimes he wondered if he had a problem; if he went more than a few days without any action he started to get a headache and got all irritable and snapped at staffers. They'd soon figured out it was in their best interests to get their boss laid as often as possible.

The thought vanished from Max's mind as things progressed. He smirked at Alystae, his eyes practically burning with lust and his brain buzzing with excitement. "Thanks for the warning, but you won't need to worry about me hanging on for dear life. I didn't get where I am without a workaholic attitude myself. Sleep is for people with no ambitions and no libido."

Max lifted back his bottle at Alystae's advice, downing another hefty portion of the blue liquor and feeling it go to work as she climbed a-top him. His smirk started to become more mischievous. "A few questions: 1.) Does this car have a driver? 2.) If so, can the driver hear us? And 3.) Is there any way we could, perhaps, dim those windows?..." The smirk was looking very sinister now.

"Yes Max, we have a driver. Yes, the windows are tinted, and yes, discretion is assured. The driver is another of my employees, one who was with me since the war. He knows better than to eavesdrop on delicate dealings." Alystae giving Max a look of bemusement, noting the luxury sedan was starting to slow up as she teased the poor turian. Teasing Max's fringe, the tall maiden slowly slid off of him, her other hand holding the indigo shimmer bottle. "Lucky for you though, seems that we've reached our destination good sir", Alystae giving Max a sly smirk as the doors opened at a newly refurbished apt complex catering to young up and coming professionals.

"Shall we Max, I dare say my quarters are much more...suitable for our dealings. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Ahhh, good. Those were the answers I was looking for." Unfortunately, before Max could do anything more, the vehicle came to a halt and the Asari climbed off of him. Looked like he still had just a little bit longer to wait yet, though not too much longer by the sound of things. He grabbed his own bottle of Shimmer and followed Alystae out of the car, nodding in approval at the swanky new apartment complex- another indicator of how good business must be for her if she could afford a place here.

"Why, yes. I believe your quarters do sound far more suitable..." He wrapped an arm around her shoulder once more, taking another pull from his bottle. "Now, let's mosey on up there before I lose all control and start breaking some public indecency laws with you. Is that less coy for you in the innuendo department?" He whispered with a wink.

"Quite Max, the quickest path is a straight line after all." Alystae not missing a beat as the duo entered the apt complex, her swagger even more pronounced with the lusty turian at her side. Taking another pull of the Nartin drink, the tall maiden using her free hand to tease Max's fringe as they walked past the security man towards the elevator. Once on the way up, Alystae decided to tease the turian even more mercilessly, letting her fingertips tease his side while making judicious use of her breath on his neck, only stopping when the elevator reached her floor.

"Alright Max the Maverick, lets see if your libido matches your ambition", Alystae thinking as she broke away from her Ward Assemblyman, strutting over to her one bedroom apt, stopping to open the door before turning to face her new conquest, "So what are you waiting for Mistah Vallario, orders from High Command?" The Nartin native smiling at Max as she stood proud in the doorway, the combination of alcohol and anticipation bringing out the mining girl in Alystae...

Alystae was definitely adept at being a tease; she'd brought Max to a proper boil in just one evening, after all. In the elevator she was relentless, but Max knew better. He knew that there were security cameras everywhere in private buildings like this. All it took was one guard with a need for some easy cash to take some data over to a tabloid site, and Max was in for a "fun" media ride. It'd be easier on him than most politicians, seeing that he was single and all, but it'd still be a shit-storm. For now, he kept straight-faced, save for a little smirk as he felt her breath on the back of his neck.

When they finally reached Alystae's floor, and her apartment, Max took a step back and surveyed the Asari standing in the doorway in front of him with a drunk and lusty look in her eyes. As per usual, there was a sole nagging doubt in the back of his head; the voice of reason. He knew he was getting involved with shady people, and it had every potential to go wrong, especially when he was about to hook up with their leader...

...On the other hand, she was really, really, really hot, and probably shagged like nobody's business. And then there was the Asari mind meld thing too, potentially.

Once again, the Libido won the argument- as it tended to.

Max strode forward, wrapping his arm around Alystae's waist and pulling her inside the apartment, locking the door behind him.

Yes, for Max the Maverick, it had proven to be a very fruitful and productive evening.