[Illium, Nos Astra] let the show begin! (closed)

Taleeze noted that Daia had noted that Skylar had… had she noted? Or did Taleeze make things up in her perverted little head now?

At first everything had just happened to Taleeze, without her even realizing how she reacted to the blond human. Then she had pushed few buttons before the dance. The dance itself had been… well, a trip through well oiled motions but still she had let herself drop into it and went with the beat and her partners. It had been a very intoxicating thing, her body pumping still a bit from it. Then ii had been as if… the touch of her hand, what she had said, how she looked.

Taleeze took the water and the towel, she wiped her head and neck. Her le'wĕth were very sensitive to the touch. She didn’t sweat that hard, at least it hadn’t ruined the outfit – which had gotten an unexpected premiere that way. At least it fit perfectly, no strap was out of place or was cutting. Quality had it’s pricetag but her income on Illium had been quite better than expected so she could as well indulge into a bit of luxury. Also, the audience was deserving nothing less.

Then they touched again for the salute. It felt like her skin got caressed by the fine texture of Skylar’s hand. It felt electrifying.

The idle chitchat about the dance passed bye her. She threw in a few comments though, she was pro enough to process this on a second track so in the end there indeed was something useful in Daia’s notepad. But it had cooled Taleeze down a bit, after all the adrenalin and emotional excitement of the dancing not unwelcome if she didn’t want to end as a total plaything at Skylar’s leash.

“It would be totally okay.” Taleeze replied on the question if Skylar should drive her to the club. She would have like to add that the head turner on the drivers seat was more than making up for Daia’s sexy piece of well formed metal. “Great, so you’ll really come along for the show. You won’t regret it, promise.” Taleeze pouted her lips the tiniest bit.

Daia was out with a hug and kiss and it had felt as if she had encouraged Taleeze with that.
“Have fun, and love to Ana of course.” She seconded Skylar’s wishes.

The two of them where alone. For the first time. In the same room. In Skylar’s apartment.
Taleeze considered the possibility to call in for sudden sickness at the Apricity…. And had to shake her inner head about herself. Goddess girl, you are in deep. When did that happen? On the outside she seemed quite cool at that moment.

That compliment hit home, yes, Taleeze was sure that Skylar was indeed reacting and it wasn’t part of her fantasy imagination.

“Who, thank you.” Her eyes must have sparkled at that moment as if electrified. Or maybe it was just a biotic sparkle. “Mhm, we have indeed never had much time for each other but don’t see that as your fault, please. You do important work and a lot of performers would have been in trouble if it wasn’t for you. So, I’d rather say now, than never.” She had been putting up a couple of flexing moves, the straps of her outfit opening and closing with each stretch.

She strolled over to the couch, the bottle lose in one hand. Now where to sit? Taleeze decided for the couch although for a brief moment considering seriously the chair, just for games sake. But “the initial stalking may not be strictly necessary”. Very well then.

Taleeze sat down not completely close yet – room for improvement already planned – and turned to a sideways position, one arm comfortable on the top of the back rest, the other casually on her hip, playing with the hem of a strap, her feet tucked under.

“I must also say, we’d rather spend our time with something more worthwile. The feeling is mutual, Skylar. We do indeed see each other a lot and yet know so little of the other. I’d very much like to change that as well and get to know the fascinating fair haired Lady of Burlesque from Earth.” She smiled for a small pause. “From what I hear I have been broadcasted quite well at the club so you maybe at a little advantage here, as a matter of fact. I don’t think we need to introduce our performances and dare I say, collaborative dancing explains it all anyway. I could ask, what brings a lady like you to Illium, but that would be boring in a way, don’t you think? Not that I am not genuinely interested, I most certainly am but actually what I really would like to know is, how did you end up in Apricity, the most illustrious place in Nos Astra? It seems to be a magnet for magical personalities.”

"Lady Burlesque?" Skylar echoed with a sly smile, as she shifted to face Taleeze, one leg tucked up on the couch while the other remained stretched out to the floor. "I like that... I was born on Earth, too, so that works. Raised on Bekenstein, though - but I acknowledge it doesn't have the mystique of a homeworld." She chuckled wryly. "It doesn't have mystique in a lot of areas, come to that."

She took a sip of her water, stretching slightly, then tilted her head and smiled at her companion.

"It's lovely there, isn't it?" she agreed of Apricity. "Welcoming. The old Oasis, back before the war, had the same quality to it - there was no permanent club, of course, but it's the people who make the place what it is, always has been." She shrugged slightly, her posture growing a little more bold in the process - nothing flagrant, but the slight arching of her back, tilting of her hips, had their desired effect.

"I really ended up at Apricity the same way most of the other 'old hands' did, by being associated with the Oasis in old Nos Astra. When Talik and Vantage went silent everyone knew Tasale was next - Illium's no core world, but only the blindest optimists thought the war wouldn't reach us. The Sisterhood - Eafina primarily, she was the most senior of the committee in Nos Astra at the time - made sure to secure the transport and provisions we'd need when the evacuation was called. When it was, we all... bundled into the chartered skybuses and came to Varda together." Her eyes drifted towards the windows, looking out over the city. For a moment there seemed to be a shadow over her, but when she looked back at Taleeze it lifted.

"So, naturally when you have an agency's worth of exotic escorts and performers needing to make a living, you do what Eafina did - find a building with some vacant space, and put up your red light in the window." She laughed softly. "Terran - a red light was an indication the premises housed a brothel, or some such adult-oriented enterprise. There were times in most cultures when it wasn't accepted to promote such a business more openly. In any case, for those of us not joining the defence forces - some did, bless their courage - it let us get our feet under us, start putting our lives back together and supporting ourselves. And since it was decided to build the 'new' Oasis around a nightclub, well, I was hardly going to look for somewhere else to perform. And, by way of various ups and downs, here I am..."

Her right hand, resting on the back of the couch, toyed idly with the corner of a cushion; her other was resting on her hip, fingers moving ever so slowly back and forth along the edge of her leotard.

"And the Sisterhood needed me, too," she went on. "A lot of other work dried up in any case - enormous upheaval in the corporate market all round, as you'd expect, but with the NVPA directly involved in so many areas by way of martial law provisions, there wasn't as much wheeling and dealing going on. Even if there were, I'd have chosen the Sisterhood. A lot of our people needed help, and getting help on Illium - even in the middle of a war - needs someone who knows how to negotiate. The way the law works here, there's an element of... I'd almost call it showmanship. Brinkmanship, at times. Make your foes second-guess themselves, dazzle the decision-makers - do the dance just right, and you get what you want."

She grinned, a little devilishly, at the same time shaking her head slightly as if to apologise.

"I... wouldn't entirely say I like the system - but I can work it, and I do like using that to achieve something worthwhile for people who deserve it. Which, bringing things full circle, is how I came to be involved with the Sisterhood to begin with. Victory in a courtroom or boardroom pays well - and there's even a thrill to it - but when it's just a matter of one company or the other adding yet more credits to their already-swollen accounts, the appeal starts to fade. I came to Illium to start fresh, to cut my ties with Bekenstein's firms and take on cases that meant something. Hence the Sisterhood - I discovered it via my dancing, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to be involved."

She paused, then grinned suddenly, and leaned forward as if about to share a secret.

"Actually, that's only part of the reason I came to Illium," she said, her voice playful. "After all, another human colony, or Earth, would have been just as much a fresh start, without needing to adapt to a whole new legal code into the bargain. The other reason - or I should say, the main reason - is, put simply, I love asari."

She held Taleeze's gaze, waiting to see what she would do with that.

Taleeze was carefully following Skylar’s movements, now simply enjoying listening to her voice and knowing that every inch and every movement about that body was for her alone.

The story was fascinating and Taleeze at one point wondered what she had achieved in life so far. Not much, she had to admit, besides arranging a good life around her and Freh’ya before the war, while Daia had become a CEO and Skylar had been the successful and determined lawyer pursuing things that mattered in grander perspective.
~~~~~~~~
Freh’ya had entered her mind silently, now she sat there, kind of lounged inside Taleeze’s memories, observing. That small grin on her face she always sported when Taleeze was about to do something real maiden-style. Like falling heads over heels for a human burlesque dancer.
“Tal, what is it with you, hm? Always so full of emotion, always so … exuberant. Are you really sure what you want? What is it you want, my dear maiden?” grinning, but mildly.

“What I really want? I am maiden. I am supposed to be a bit confused. But not about this. Not this time, Freh’ya. You know me, you know me better than anyone, maybe even better than my mother. We have shared the deep eternity, that is why you are here now.
Do you trust me, Freh’ya?”

“I do trust you, Tal. I have not the slightest doubt. But do you trust yourself?” It was as if a cosmic cloud of dust was covering the stars, blacking them out one by one, slowly fading out the image of a mildly smiling Freh’ya.

“Trust yourself, my maiden, trust yourself….”

In an instant, the image of the purple vanguard was gone. I will trust in us, my commando. I will trust myself.
~~~~~~~~
A blink of an eye.

Skylar had somehow, funnily enough, managed to almost mirror Taleeze’s position on the couch, save the extended, shapely leg. Their hands rested only centimetres apart on the backrest.

It was somehow soothing to listen to Skylar’s tale, which she told in her calm and earnest manner, yet still emotional about all of it, caring. She meant what she said, all of it and it showed.

And then, she leaned in, her blue eyes fixing Taleeze’s in hypnotizing manner. A soft blink.
The sentence had no sexual aggressiveness about it, just a genuine honesty and lots of feeling. It seemed to Taleeze as if she just had been let in on very personal secret, intended just for her.

Taleeze held Skylar’s gaze with a soft expression. She leaned in a bit herself, so she could almost feel the warmth and the breath of the blond human. Her hand slowly inched forward, her fingertips found Skylar’s.

“Now that is just … convenient, I’d say.” Taleeze replied in a low and soft voice.
“You must find a lot to love in this place then. Am I lucky to be a daughter of Athame’s blessed children, now?” A statement and question, only aspirated.

I trust…..

[beeep… beeeep]

Taleeze’s Omnitool came to life and a timer unfolded, with a small text field [Apricty … Stageshow]. It had been set so Taleeze would have had enough time to dress and get ready. Now the timing would be a bit tight.

She sat up, looking at Skylar with yearning expression.
“ I…. got to get dressed. You have to drive me down now. Can’t be late.” Another longing glance along the lean frame of Skylar. “And I don’t think you want to meet Eafina like this?”

Taleeze got dressed in her street gear while Skylar was doing the same. Would it have happened? She was going to dance just for Skylar tonight, in front of all the eyes in Apricity, yet just for her. She was going to make that happen tonight.

Goddess, she still needed makeup, it had to be a quick one at the Apricity. Thank the tides for all the inventions that made putting on the warpaint so much easier these days. She grabbed her bag and followed Skylar to the human’s aircar. It was just a small hop to the Apricity and at first they had sat in silence, as Skylar seemingly was trying to find a fast lane.

“Sky.” She made a significant pause. It was the first time she had used that short version. She checked for the slightest hint of disapproval in Skylar. With a very husk voice she continued “This asari will only dance for you tonight. If you want that.” Now it was her turn to fix on Skylars eyes, as the car descended onto to the employees parking lot of Apricity.

I trust.

Skylar smiled slowly.

"I-" she began, and then the alarm went off. She nodded when Taleeze explained, giving a reassuring smile at seeing her expression.

"We'll be there in no time," she promised, finally taking Taleeze's hand - if only for a friendly squeeze as they stood to go get their respective clothes on. She had an urge to laugh at the timing of it all, but suppressed it - it wouldn't do to have Taleeze think she was unconcerned at getting her to the club on time.

"I could get away with it," she admitted, raising her voice slightly so it carried into the office where Taleeze had left her clothes. "You know as well as I do by now how people wander around wearing all sorts of things in the employee areas. But I don't want to get lazy on that account." Luckily not all of her ensembles needed as much time to put on as they sometimes seemed; her exercise gear was slid down her legs and off by the time she reached her wardrobe, and it only took a moment to slip on a high-split ankle-length black dress and wrap a matching bustier around herself, letting the laces tighten themselves rather than doing it by hand as she preferred. Taleeze was no slouch getting changed either, appearing from the office just as Skylar was slipping some shoes on.

"Don't worry, we'll make it," she assured her once more as they left the apartment and headed towards the platform elevator, where an omni-tool command would have her aircar out of the tower's garage and waiting by the time they arrived. "I've made this trip plenty of times, I know the quick lanes."

Taking proper advantage of them required manual driving, though, which took up Skylar's attention for the short trip. It was only when they were almost there, and she finally put the 'car in automatic for the landing now that it would no longer make a difference to their travel time, that she let her seat recline back, and her companion spoke. She was a little surprised at 'Sky' - her unusual name had been a source of some teasing in elementary school (but then, who hadn't gone through that, for some reason or other - all part of growing up), and there were only a handful of people she knew now from whom she appreciated the abbreviation. Normally a relatively new acquaintance using it would be a mild annoyance - something forgiven, not made into an argument, of course, but still - but not this time. Not from Taleeze.

That, more than the use of the nickname, surprised her, and she heard herself say "I do want that," before she had even consciously thought it. They landed, and she gathered her wits somewhat, offering her hand to Taleeze as she got out of the 'car - fortunately (one of the few times she had thought so) unlike one of Daia's anachronisms, her modern-style vehicle had a one-piece canopy; had it been separate doors it would have taken her far too long, in the hurry they were in, to rush around to Taleeze's side to help her out, and she was glad to be able to offer the gesture. If only to have the asari's hand in hers again, for a moment.

"I'll return the favour some day," she murmured, as Taleeze drew level with her on the way into the building. "A private show, perhaps." They were inside now, nearing the access doors to the various parts of the club/agency.

"Here we are," she said unnecessarily, as the door she needed to take to check in with Eafina came up. She touched Taleeze lightly on the shoulder to keep her a moment before rushing off.

"I'll be in the audience," she promised. Watching for a sign of reluctance, and seeing none, she moved in close, feeling the warmth of Taleeze's body as they touched. She tilted her head, but instead of a kiss, she ducked slightly, parted her lips, and let a whisper of breath breeze over the soft ridges running from beneath the asari's crest, just where they began to soften into her smooth neck.

"Watching voraciously," she murmured, before taking a step back.

======

"Made it!" Daia called, spotting Taleeze across the crowded sports bar. Apricity's new addition to its social venues had been doing a brisk trade among those of the club's regular patrons who enjoyed various sports (Eafina had agreed with most of the escorts, dancers, and wait staff who had petitioned on behalf of their favourite sports, and the bar's patrons seemed to appreciate the variety; Daia had yet to convince her on elcor trapball, though) and as more and more had been revealed to the public about the upcoming Terminus Cup - including the role two of the club's stars would play in its halftime show - many of the city's pildavi followers, longtime and newly-made fans both, had come by to have a look.

Today there was even more interest, with Eafina having announced that Matchday would be sending someone to record a few minutes with Daia and Taleeze, for use on their shows promoting and covering the Cup. An audio/video technician had arrived, and was tinkering with a hovercam, but otherwise it seemed the show was yet to begin - which was just as well, since Daia had gotten in a tangle trying to decide what to wear. Glad to find she wasn't late, she wove through the crowd, into the clear area the waiters had politely asked the patrons to leave for the recording to take place, and hopped up onto the barstool next to Taleeze.

"Sporty enough?" she grinned, patting her outfit - in lieu of their performance having a costume that wasn't constructed solely of photons, she had picked out a short-skirted, figure-hugging Nos Astra Pulsars cheerleader costume. Privately she still preferred the Thunder's new merchandise, but even with all of the APU rallying behind the Pulsars - if only for this one game - it wouldn't do to appear disloyal to the home town.

"Did I miss anything?" she asked; aside from the small crowd milling around waiting for the interview to start, the bar was still in operation, with expansive holo-screens showing all manner of events from across the galaxy and patrons talking animatedly and cheering on their favourites, but the slight audio buffering in the bar - on account of the cheering - and the open space around them meant she didn't have to raise her voice for Taleeze to hear her. "Any word on exactly what Matchday's got in mind for us Eafina just told me 'informal chat for the show'. Hi!" she added, glancing at the camera tech and waving quickly. She was obviously in high spirits today.

The past few weeks had been an up down roller coaster for everyone involved. The date draw nearer and the workload went from cool to bad to OhMyGODDESS! For everyone involved in the Halftime Show project. Needless to be said that the regular operation of the Apricity continued with all their shifts and duties.
Taleeze had seen Skylar even less than the weeks before, although she had so hoped… but whenever they could sit together and talk over stuff it would be under time pressure and mostly stress. The occasional glance, the encouraging word, the brief caress – that was all that seemed possible for Taleeze, when Skylar wasn’t even out of town, which was the case more often than not lately.

But finally, now the whole thing was coming together. The music was almost finished, the costumes worked as intended – without flashing in the wrong places,uncontrollable flickerings, “No-Signal” indicators over Daia’s breasts or other fun stuff like that. The trouble-shooting in the software had cost Taleeze a few decades of her life she estimated.
In a few days they would do their first practice under real conditions in the Helix Arena on the actual stage. But first Daia and her had to be part of an interview, which Matchday! had arranged.
~~~~~

Taleeze saw Daia approach in her sporty getup. Sexy as always.
“Hey,” she waved over while the technician was fumbling around with the cam, trying to get macros of her legs as it seemed. Taleeze sat on a bar stool at the corner of the counters, another one prepared for Daia, the third for the interviewer who wasn’t here yet.

“Looks good! I wonder if you couldn’t find any clients for something like this. Maybe now after the Cup?”

Taleeze was wearing a more player style outfit, although the pants were significantly skimpier and the top kind of barely managed to hold it’s content. What concerned Taleeze more though where the colors, Pulsars of course. So Taleeze had attached a pin with the Wildkats emblem to her top.

“I have no idea, what they want to do. I guess they just want some blue skin for the upfront promotion.” The last part was spoken a bit louder and the camera technician, a human male, was shooting a glance but just shrugging his shoulders, now taking angle shots of Daia.

All of a sudden there was a small commotion going on around the entrance of the sports bar. Taleeze recognized that face immediately and her jaw dropped as Mie Lakunis came over to the two, giving the cam tech a casual wave and extended both hands for Daia and then Taleeze, smiling wide.

“Hey, gals, I am Mie. And I guess you’re the Half Time attraction?” She was wearing a dark grey business suit and looked gorgeous. Although being a Matriarch, Mie never had done anything else than sports and her body showed. Also you wouldn’t want to come for Matriarch Lakunis for anything else but sports or the accompanying show.
“Okay, so, they sent me over to ol’ Illium to have an upfront look. I do a bit of reporting on the city, the Arena and the players of the Pulsars.” She checked her Omnitool.
“We have a couple hours though, until I have to see their manager for lunch so we can take it easy, my dears.” She clapped her hands. The technician was getting ready and seemed to be already shooting, without announcing anything.

“We’ll basically record all of that so we can later take the best shots and angles” Mie was measuring Daia. “I guess we’ll have to extend our program for that though, there’s no wrong angle here.”

“Anyway, before we get to the real interview, I’d say we warm up a bit, wadda ya say? Just get to know each other, get the feeling and so on. It will be less awkward on cam afterwards. What would you like to drink, gals?” She waved a barkeeper over. “This would be a Virgin Sundown for me; and for you, Ladies? All on me, of course – or more like, the APU’s allowance.” she grinned.

Meanwhile Mie had discovered the Wildkats emblem on Taleeze.
“You are that former Wildkat? Nice touch, putting that thing on! I looked up your stats when I got the briefing of course. Not too shabby! And this is really an asset, to have you on this whole show thing. This brings a good marketing effect, you are the multiplier, who every other fan can relate to, you know, you are no Nos Astra girl but a real Republics chick, cool, isn’t it?” Mie nudged Taleeze on the shoulder playfully.

Addressing Daia, she said “I read you used to be on the cheer squad somewhere? Fitting attire, my dear! So I guess, you’ll be doing some cheer moves then?”

This was awesome! Taleeze had a severe attach of being starstruck. This woman had been her hero in highschool, she had collected all the ‘Mie Superstar’ merchandise she could get her hands on to, she had her holos, her uniform, her everything.

In her active days with the Wildcats she had encountered her a couple of times but never that close, she had never given an interview to her before. So this was kind of a flashback to a great time in Taleeze’s life, it felt a bit like being a pildavi star again.

“Uh… hello Mie, I am Taleeze.” She took the hands and smiled back. This was going to be great! “I’ll take the same then.” She replied when asked about the drink.

And did she just say “not too shabby”? Taleeze guessed coming from Mie Lakunis, the “empress of pildavi”, that must be a sort of compliment, so she giggled on the nudge.

“Yes, that’s me. I’d have never thought to be part of a Terminus Cup match. I wasn’t that good to be considered to be traded to Nos Astra. But hey, look at me, you never know.”

"What makes you think I haven't already?" Daia chuckled at Taleeze's observation on her attire. "Although," she gave a meaningful glance up and down Taleeze, "maybe I ought to get myself a player costume instead, you look good."

She looked up at the sudden activity, and peered intently past the crowd, trying to get a good look at its source.

"Is that...?" she murmured, glancing back at Taleeze - judging by her expression, it almost certainly was.

"Matriarch," Daia said respectfully - without losing her smile, though, since Mie's public appearances didn't suggest she was the kind to stand on her dignity too much. "Daia T'Nara." She took the offered hands warmly, and nodded when Mie offered them drinks.

"Maiden Fever for me," she said.

For Daia - a traditionalist in many ways, surprisingly as that might have been to those who saw her through the lens of her anything-goes media appearances - there was no such thing as an 'unremarkable' meeting with a Matriarch (even her own mother, although in that case her social rank had nothing to do with it in Daia's eyes, she was simply a remarkable woman), but clearly this was a momentous encounter for her companion. Daia accepted her drink from the barkeeper with a smile, and didn't do anything to draw attention away from Taleeze until Mie turned her attention to her directly.

"Not what you'd call professionally," she replied with a grin. "Just in the spirit of the game - but yeah, here and there, starting back home on Thessia." She glanced down at her outfit. "This is fitting, I think, since Taleeze here is the real player, I'm the enthusiastic amateur. In fact it's being around her that's rekindled my interest in the game - always been a fan at heart, of course, but she really radiates passion for pildavi, you can't help but be carried along."

The cocktails arrived an Mie was handing them out, taking a seat so the three of them former a semi circle, a good shot for the camera, part of the bar and part of the room as a background.

“Cheers, ladies. And don’t go all formal on me, I may be a Matriarch but I’d rather still be bloody maiden, shooting a ball – I still do sometimes.” She took a sip from her drink. “but me left knee tends to object that from time to time. We are not getting younger.” She smiled and looked like a fifty year old.

“So, I must say, good old Dana had an eye for style it seems, when she looked for the contract partner for the show. This club is cool – brand new though, isn’t it? I sure as hell don’t remember and I would probably because I must have parties through all of old Nos Astra’s clubs and most of old Nos Varda’s as well.”

Daia ducked her head, with a smile, by way of 'apology' for the formal greeting. "You can take the girl out of Thessia..." she could imagine Skylar saying, as she had in the past when the subject of Matriarchs had come up in conversation between them, and Daia's innate deference had been evident. Even living on Illium, ruled, effectively, by its none-too-admirable Board of Governors, hadn't washed away the belief in the wisdom of her elders that Daia had been born to and raised with - but then again, asari population or not, Daia knew she wasn't alone in mentally classifying Illium as 'not really an asari world'. Not like a Republic, at any rate.

"It is new, yes," Daia nodded. "Apricity celebrates her first birthday - in local years, that is - in a little over a month. Although we had a party for our first Galactic Standard year as well, when that rolled 'round a while back - no sense turning down an excuse to celebrate." She smiled widely, and a little mischievously, but didn't go into further detail - the club had held various parties for the different demographics who came to enjoy its various attractions, but the main "One Year GS" event had catered very much to the Dusk Oasis's client base, and been fittingly exotic. Mie was here on behalf of a sports channel, after all; Daia felt it was probably best to focus on the club's more restrained side.

"And this, the sports bar," she added, gesturing around with her glass, "is especially new: we timed the 'grand opening' to coincide with the APU exhibition match on Earth. And of course the Pulsars were playing the same day, so it was quite a one-two treat for everyone who attended."

"This place is all about celebrations it seems but I sometimes forget the wide range cuisine that is offered. This is more than just a nightclub. I would say it addresses all senses actually."

Goddess, she looked so young! One could really forget, that she's a Matriarch but Daia's perfect manners reminded Taleeze painfully of her own lacking there off. Fuck it, this was her youth's hero and she'd definitely not treat her like a priestess. She was sitting across Mie Lakunis, Mie Superstar, The Empress... ohgoddesshowcoolwasthat!?
She drank from her Cocktail, addressing Mie with a gesture that was very beseeming for a maiden in the presence of a Matriarch though.

Mie noted the gesture and returned it in a fitting manner.

"Okay, dears, loosen up and this will go well. We'll do this as an exclusive content for a website, CDN - which constantly reminds of of Cosmic Dating Network, but the real name escaped me. I just remember that it wasn't very fitting. Anyway, the league thinks this is a good target group and does a bit of advertising there. Here is what we'll do, so you won't be too surprised. It will start with ntroductions of you two, I'll let you talk. Then I'll ask a couple of questions on the show. We'll take it as it comes, this is your domain anyway, closure will be a bit of general pildavi chat. Any objections? I hope not, and you don't look like divas to me anyway."

Taleeze grinned and looked at Daia.

"Oh, I think we know that site, right Daia? As a matter of fact, we follow the APU show there - your piece on the Earth match was great, if I may say so." Time to go there herself for holidays when all of this was over - this meaning: get that show done, get Freh'ya back and work out the 'situation' with Skylar.

"No, I think, we are good with that setup, Mie. Right Daia?"

"Right," Daia nodded, reaching across to touch hands briefly with Taleeze; the gesture had become almost unconscious during the weeks of practice. She set her drink to one side, adjusted her pose slightly with the camera in mind, and let Mie take the lead.

[MIE] "So, girls, cut the chitchat, we have an interview to do. Ready?"

[DAIA] "Absolutely."

[The three asari are seated at the end of a long bar in a small semi circle. Daia, wearing a Daia-skimpy Pulsars cheerleader outfit and Taleeze, wearing a very tight Pulsars players uniform, sitting to the right, Mie in a gray suit to the left, holding a datapad with her notes. Three colourful cocktails sit on the bar. Taleeze moves a bit on her stool to be more comfortable, Mie signals the camera guy: 3 – 2 – 1]

+++ This is an APU CDN exclusive broadcast +++

[MIE] " Hello and welcome, Daia and Taleeze. This is going to be an exclusive interview for Matchday!
First, our audience would like to know who these two lovely ladies are that represent the APU in the halftime show of this year’s Terminus Cup match, here in Nos Astra. Both are dancers at the APU’s contract partner for the show, the great Apricity club, who was so nice to be our host for this interview.

[Mie makes a presenting move and the camera swings around to get a wide angle shot of Apricity’s sports bar]

[MIE] "Daia, let's start with you. Tell us a bit about yourself, how long are you in the showbiz?"

[DAIA] "Glad to, Mie. I actually started out in showbiz - performance, at least - way back when I began my travels, so it's been over three hundred years now. Plus plenty of amateur fun at the Academy, can't forget that. I got my start on the professional stage when I travelled to Calabsa, and I've never really given it up since. Although so far as live audiences go, the Cup's going to be a new record, by a considerable margin!"

[MIE] "Have you always been ... exotic dancing? I think I have read you have a bit of cheergirl experience on your record? That means, the audience should be well known."

[DAIA] "True - professionally I've always favoured exotic dance, but it's not my first time on a cheer squad. I did a stint for the Comets in fact, and before that I was a regular on the Spearmaidens' springball squad at Attena. Plus the odd dalliance here and there since. It's a good feeling, contributing - in our own small way - to the team spirit. And in a much more obvious way to all the fans having a great time."

[MIE] "So, from what our audience can see, that cheergirl image is really convincing! So currently you are exclusively as a dancer at the Apricity? Just in case someone can't get enough and wants to see more of that Daia..."

[DAIA] "Ooh, flattery..."

[Daia gives Mie a wink.]

[DAIA] "I dance exclusive to Apricity, yep - although now and then the club gets a gig providing some eye-catching entertainment to parties around the city, so we get to try out new stages from time to time that way."

[Mie smiles and winks back.]

[MIE] "Well, the Apricity obviously didn't get contracted for no reason! Thanks Daia. And this is Taleeze, Daia's partner in crime."

[TALEEZE] "Hi!"

[MIE] "Taleeze, you have a real interesting back-story, you actually were a player in the APU at one time?"

[TALEEZE] "Yes, I was. I originate from Monoi and studied there. I always was into pildavi and obviously someone was thinking I'd be good enough for the Wildkats squad. I spent eleven years in the league. Cost me a bit of my studying time though. But I really loved it."

[MIE] "We can see, that you even today show a tribute to your team."

[Mie points out the small Monoi Wildkats pin on Taleeze's Nos Astra Pulsars top.]

[TALEEZE] "Yes... and I am honestly honestly apologize to all the fans for combining those two colors on me! But you know how it goes, you are always with your home team. Also, the Cup isn't just about the Pulsars, it is about the whole APU, so a bit of a crossover may be allowed, right?"

[MIE] "That is actually appreciated, even. So, for how long are you dancing at the Apricity?"

[TALEEZE] "Actually at the Apricity not so long. I only arrived here a couple of months ago. Before that I was dancing mostly on Nevos, where I usually live. The fact is, Daia here is actually mostly responsible for recruiting me for this place. Which was welcome since I wanted a change of scenery anyway."

[Taleeze nudges Daia, both laugh]

[MIE] "I see, the two of you get along quite well obviously. I am really curious, what you have in store for us at the event. From your outfits - if that means anything - I'd guess something cheery, is that right? So, can you tell me a bit about what you'll wear, Daia?"

[DAIA] "Well, I shouldn't give too much away, but I can tell you this, the Pulsars fans will definitely be cheering when they see what Taleeze cooked up for us - our look for the big day is her inspiration, and it's one of the most exciting I've seen."

[TALEEZE] "Well, I would say it was common effort to come up with that..."

[MIE] "Oh, you are responsible for the looks? So you were kind of the art director as well?"

[TALEEZE] "Uh, no, not exactly. But Daia and I had this idea for the whole thing over a dinner... and I just took it from there. But it's true what she said, I most certainly hope that everyone will cheer the Pulsars because of us but not only the... costume, but the whole... show."

[MIE] "Can you give us a teaser, will you?"

[TALEEZE] "Hm....."

[MIE] "I just hope it will be at least as sexy as these two outfits?"

[TALEEZE] "Ah, you can bet it will. Let's just say, nobody needs to worry about... anything...."

[Taleeze shoots Daia a 'Help me!' glance.]

[MIE] "What do you mean, worrying?"

[TALEEZE] "Well, it is just a technical thing as I have read concerned comments on the extranet – which you just shouldn’t do. But, I can safely say, something never seen before."

[DAIA] "Trust us, Mie, you - and the fans - won't be disappointed. We've got a new twist on a classic theme, and it's going to be a head-turner for sure."

[MIE] "Oh classics... I wouldn't have expected some higher artforms of entertainment! Speaking about the show itself, did you get any outlines by the league?

[TALEEZE] "Nothing more than the time frame and a two person limit."

[She and Daia share a look.]

[TALEEZE] "So we went all creative and I think we have found something, everybody can relate to, and, as Daia said, will be packed in a new, exciting outfit."

[MIE] "So, what about the music? will this be something well known? Maybe one of the old Pulsars' stadium chants or something?"

[DAIA] "We had wonderful help from a good friend of ours, Skylar Sinclair - who's a performer herself here at Apricity, as well as contributing art direction to many of the other shows. We're pretty sure we can rely on the faithful Pulsars fans on Cup day to bring the team chants with them, at glorious full volume, so we thought we'd take the opportunity to put our own spin on the soundtrack. It'll fit right in with the Cup day atmosphere, but stand out as well."

[TALEEZE] "I love the soundtrack, and I think, Daia, correct me if I am wrong, the thing will be released for purchase after the event by the Apricity. This is a piece of art."

[Daia nods.]

[MIE] "Original score? Sounds mighty impressive."

[TALEEZE] "Yep, kind of our soundtrack, I guess."

[She laughs.]

[MIE] "So, that Halftime show isn't any official contest but as you know, traditionally it is of course about which team can generate more comments on the extranet or more cheering or gets the better ratings. The two of you, as home team squad will have the second slot. Do you already know, who your competition from the Harriers side will be?"

[TALEEZE] "Actually, we have no idea."

[And her look adds the "and we don't care".]

[MIE] "I have heard, they are going to bring in the Terminus Twins, so another dance and performance group. All out asari power this year. So what do you say?"

[DAIA] "The T'Wins, huh? Well they do say that the measure of a warrior is the quality of her foes, so that sure reflects well on us."

[She shoots Taleeze a smile - she seems more excited than perturbed at the news of their rivals.]

[DAIA] [color=#0080FF]"That said, we're putting on our show for the Pulsars, in their home city, in the first of a new era of Terminus Cup matches, so we're going to give it everything we've got. Our girls on the team deserve nothing less."

[TALEEZE] "As long as they don't send a turian throat singer, I am not concerned."

[Mie laughs.]

[MIE] "That would probably not be a bad idea for stadium chants, but a long forgotten tradition. I remember a certain match against Sanves, where they had a whole group in the audience....but I think this is another story. So anyway, the two of you stay pretty tight lipped about any details, huh?"

[Taleeze gives Daia an intense glance, then looks back at Mie.]

[TALEEZE] "Yup. Don't want to spoil the fun."

[MIE] "Uh.... mind me asking but... are the two of you... engaged in any... way?"

[Daia smiles and shakes her head. Mie doesn't look entirely convinced.]

[DAIA] "We're good friends, on and off stage, but no. She's a wonderful woman, but I'm already bonded to a wonderful woman of my own - we manage Envirometrics, our environmental systems company, together."

[MIE] "Just, you know, I thought I saw... would have added to... nevermind, we can cut that."

[She coughs, then looks curiously back at Daia.]

[MIE] "Uh... sorry? What was that with that - company?"

[Taleeze shakes her head and smiles; Daia laughs.]

[DAIA] "I'm a CEO - if you can believe that! You probably heard how a lot of companies here had some pretty tumultuous times right after the war. Well, at one point it looked like Illium's only supplier of top-of-the-line clean-tech might be on the way out, since there wasn't a lot of support there from the public sector. My bondmate's quarian, so obviously that's a pretty major concern - and I'd been buying tech from Envirometrics for years in any case, even before we met. I guess you could say we liked them so much we bought the company."

[She giggles, then turns thoughtful.]

[DAIA] "Actually being in charge of anything's a whole new experience for me, but it's very rewarding to see all the benefits people get from the technology we produce."

[MIE] "You mean, you are a ... what, CEO? And an exotic dancer? Like, at the same time? And you are doing a Halftime Show? This must be a first and I have seen many Halftime Shows. Do you really want this to go public? Just askin, we could cut this."

[Taleeze's smiling turns to outright laughter.]

[DAIA] "You're sweet to offer, Mie, but no - I'm perfectly happy to be known for everything I do, from stage performance to escorting to film to making the boardroom a little saucier. Sure it raises a few eyebrows in the business world, but where's the fun in life if you can't do what you love in freedom? Besides, I like how 'Chief Exotic Officer' sounds.

[She gives Mie a flirty wink.]

[MIE] "Uh... I think i remember your ... face now even. From... somewhere on the extranet... or so. Okay, whatever you want, Daia, it is great to see what special people represent the APU. O strange Illium, I guess. Maybe I spend too much time at a tight place like Thessia... Soooo Miss Taleeze, any unbelievable confessions from your side?"

[TALEEZE] "I am afraid no, I am not half as interesting as Daia is I guess, but she had a few centuries more time to run a crime record."

[She gives Daia a nudge.]

[TALEEZE] "She's a very respectable person, indeed and it's a honor of sorts to be able to pick a few things up from her experience."

[Daia smiles warmly, then turns to Mie.]

[DAIA] "Just wait 'til Cup day - I may have a couple of centuries on Taleeze to build up all sorts of peculiar hobbies, but believe me, when you see her on stage, nothing else will matter."

[MIE] "Mhm, I can see, the T'Wins are in trouble deep. So, just for the sake of the sport, let's come back to pildavi for a bit. The fans would surely like to know, who are your favorite teams?"

[TALEEZE] "Ha, well, the Wildkats are a given naturally, I still have few old contacts, they are doing quite well this season and I am happy about that! But I am a general fan of the sports so I can admire a good game any day, no matter the result. Well, not completely maybe but, you know, sportsasari like. I am also feeling with Astella of course, coming from Nevos. I hope they can recover."

[MIE] "What about you Daia?"

[DAIA] "The 'Kats have been putting on a good show - Taleeze has won a couple of bets off me already this season thanks to them! Like I said, I've been around - Attena back home, so we all followed the Thunder in the APU league, I still have a soft spot for the Comets, and my office manager was a Dirtskirter in her school days, so that makes it a happy office when they pull off a big result. But the following for the Pulsars here in Nos Astra, especially this season as the APU has brought us all back together after the hiatus, has been amazing. So I'm a Pulsars girl, how could it be any other way?"

[Taleeze stretches her slightly-too-tight top with the Pulsars logo and holds her breasts into the camera.]

[TALEEZE] "GO PULSARS!"

[Daia joins in, striking a pose which likewise highlights the Pulsars logo blazed across her top. Mie smiles at the pair.]

[MIE] "You gals are really are awesome sports obviously. And even the office is pildavi-fied, great!"

[She looks at the camera guy who gives a double thumbs up.]

[MIE] "Thanks you two, for your time and the show you are about to put up. I am sure it will be a real hoot."

[.Daia puts her arm around Taleeze's shoulders, framing them for a good two-shot for the camera.]

[DAIA] "Thanks Mie. It's going to be a brilliant Cup day, eh Tal'?"

[TALEEZE] "Yes, it definitely will be a great event! Everyone, come watch it!"

[The pair smiles into the camera.]

[MIE] "This is Mie Lakunis from Apricity, Nos Astra for Matchday! exclusive on CDN. Okay, now let's do some promo shots, will you?"

[Mie steps in the middle, Taleeze on the left, Daia on the right. Taleeze plants a kiss on Mie's cheek; Daia spots her, and does likewise on her side.]

[MIE] "Good night, folks, this has been a Matchday! to remember....."

[Taleeze throws herself at Daia’s neck and the camera guy just doesn't stop recording.]

+++ this has been an APU CDN exclusive broadcast (c) APU 2188 +++

"Phew, not bad - I think." Taleeze had been a bit nervous and the sudden quiestioning about detials on the show almost made her blush. she never had been a good liar.
"I am sure we have generated a bit of additional interest with that."
She took her cocktail and sipped from the sweet fruity fluid. Her mouth had gone a bit dry.

Up next was a stage show in an hour when the general public started to come in for the nights entertainment. Mie was discussing the results of the recording with the cameraman, she seemed happy with what he showed her.

"Daia, what are you up to tonight? I have absolutely lost the overview of your schedule. I am exhausted and happy when I don't miss my shifts or the slots to rehearse that show. And Skylar is constantly either out of town or busy elsewhere or we have just ten minutes to see something through..." she was frowning. And from what she saw it wasn't going to get better soon.
"I could use a night off to just crash somewhere... maybe me and... you? Recharging energy cells?"

"Yeah," Daia agreed happily. "Just between us, that was a lot more fun than all the 'behind the scenes' interviews EP do for bonus features on the porn films." She shrugged. "They don't script them, exactly, but it's pretty much a given what you're going to say - had a great time, wonderful working with co-stars, think the film is going to be a big hit. I mean, I do have a great time, and the co-stars are wonderful, but... well, you know what I mean," she grinned.

She leaned back on the bar and reclaimed her drink, finishing it in a gulp; Vanesse had mixed her up a smallish Maiden Fever, knowing she preferred her cocktail intake light, so there wasn't a great deal left in any case.

"You know what," she said to Taleeze, "that sounds perfect. It's been great working together, but yeah, a night off - no rehearsing, no brainstorming, just... relaxing, recharging." She gave Taleeze a smile, then her eyebrow raised as an idea struck.

"I know just the place," she said quietly. "I'm free tonight - Ana's got a holo-conference with her counterpart in a firm down in Esa Vara, and with the time difference it couldn't be earlier; I tucked her in for a nap before I came down here," she said, a little smile playing about her lips, "she'll be just starting the call around now, and won't be done until late. So, you've got me to yourself," she couldn't resist a playful sparkle in her eyes; if Mie was watching, she was probably doubting their claims to be 'just friends' again. "There's a bath house up near the lake shore, Thessian style - quiet, peaceful, luxurious, the scented oils they use are amazing, your skin will be practically glowing afterwards... best of all, total indulgent relaxation. What do you say?"

Just as Taleeze was about answer, Mie busted right between the two
"Now, you two honeys, already plotting the next adventure? We are packing" she pointed to the camera technician "and I wanted to say a proper thank you and good bye. You two did an awesome job, it was a pleasure to meet you two." She offered her hands to both, Daia and Taleeze, who took it humbly.

"I am sure you will perform great next weekend, don't worry, it will all go as planned, I just know it. I can see how much effort and fun you put into this. This is what makes it so great, just like the game, when played right, ey?" That was directed at Taleeze, who nodded a "guess so."

"So, Thanks and maybe we'll see each other some time again. There are more matches to be held in Nos Astra and now I know where you work." She winked and waved goodbye, the technician also waved and out they went, followed by the floating camera drone.