[Citadel- Shin Akiba] New Years Party! [OPEN]

"Didya know Arcturus is really bright? Almost blinded myself, and I was wearing a polarised helmet and these glasses I never take off."
Alex noticed Michelle looking over his shoulder. He turn around and noticed a ever so slightly swaying Burke walking towards them.
"Oh this can't be good."

Sarah crossed her arms, a frown on her face. Oh god- This can't be good?
She opened her mouth to speak, but passed the two, grumbling in irritation. She'd take up her place near Snow, Waves and the Raloi once again, another bite taken out of the roll in her hand.

"Oh... That was odd."
Conversation...Think?
Life? Too vague
New years resolution? Haven't made one
Citadel? Don't like the citadel
Job? WE have a winner.
"So, running a charity must be pretty rewarding work?"
He carefully, subtlily, poured the rest of his drink onto the floor.

Michelle didn't hear Mombasa's comment, so she was extremely confused to see Sarah skip them again mumbling. Ho well, at least she wouldn't have to look small and fat next to her. Ho well, she'd get back to her later.

"Honestly for now it's mostly paperwork, it's just starting, but I've already made contacts in the catholic shelter, and got some help... Well kind of dropped on me really, but it's working for the best. I wonder if he's around actually... ho there he is, see? Hi Julian!"

"Wha...?" Talking to Laykalar he didn't even notice his boss making an ass of herself with the sunglasses wearing man on the karaoke machine, let alone her talking to him afterwards. But hearing her cheery, slightly intoxicated voice over the hanar's query,

"My boss seems to be calling me over, I can introduce you if you like Laykalar", gesturing to the fluffy woman wearing a blue dress and WTF? "Oh boy, someone as exuberant as you", giving Laykalar a small, wry grin, pointing out her glasses as he slowly walked over to Mrs. Rondor, giving the SATAE people a dark glance as he made his way to her.

This was going rather well; apparently, the human Snow believed that Laykalar's enthusiasm for the party was compatible with the perspective of his direct superior! He was now to be introduced to whichever philosopher had earned the approval of this cheerfully friendly human, and no doubt her intellect would be formidable to have earned such a following.

He hadn't gotten many replies to the resolution question - the human making the strange, wobbling movements had announced he didn't have one, before pouring his drink on the floor. A ritualistic tradition with which he wasn't familiar? Paying attention to the wider room, he noticed several other individuals who had spilt their drinks. He should ask about that; then again, would Snow's superior think it a sign of his inexperience, and reconsider their compatibility? He didn't want to lose this opportunity!

Casually, he picked up a glass in one tentacle and upended it on the floor, before carefully replacing the now empty glass. He then addressed Michelle.

"Greetings! This one is honoured to speak with the learned other, and hopes the other is enjoying the party!"

"Hello again Laykalar, we met earlier but I think you didn't notice me. Gentlemen this is Alex, aka Mombasa Giant Fan on CDN. Liking the party so far Julian?"

She casually leaned over to Snow.

"And please allow us all to enjoy it even more by ignoring those Alliance soldiers."

Oh dear, had he unintentionally snubbed this human? How embarrassing! More evidence that he really needed to pay attention if he was to get the most out of the evening. He flushed in shame at his failure, while his mind raced for damage control.

"This one offers apologies for any earlier offence. This one was...deep in thought, regarding consideration of the lyrics provided by the other's companion. This one was intrigued by the metaphorical comparisons between the illuminated Shepard and quadrupedal Terran predators".

Perhaps he could put in a good word for Snow, in thanks for the human's efforts? He pulsed warmly.

"The other, Snow, was most helpful in providing answers".

"Sorry miss, didn't know if this was a party, or the Alliance taking another shot at Torfan", Snow retorted dryly, nodding perfunctorly at Alex as Laykalar got into the spirit by pouring his drink on the floor. The lean, rangy charity worker smiled wistfully at the hanar's desire to fit in as Mrs. Rondor asked him not to start anything. She did have a point, now was not the time for knuckle games.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Laykalar", turning to the shimmering hanar, "Mrs Rondor runs a charity for duct rats, she can tell you more about it, I've only just started a few days ago."

"Actually Laykar we met before the song started but it's alright, I can only imagine how everything here is new to you. We're good."

She turned to Snow.

"Good thank you, you saw how I react in an emergency, so a bar-wide brawl would NOT be good.

Yes Julian and I are doing our best to help the Citadel orphans get a proper life for themselves, instead of going straight from poverty to gangs without any other options. The project is at its infancy, but I have hope that we'll do some good."

He was unsure whether he'd earned Michelle's approval, or her rebuke. She said they were "good", though, and seemed willing to continue talking, so perhaps he could assume he'd passed the initial test and was still considered a good bet for conversation. Yes, she was describing her charitable cause to him, he must have successfully integrated! What a relief! Back on the ship, the senior scholars didn't always take him seriously, and he wouldn't want the trend to continue here. He mustn't represent the community poorly, especially when he was its only representative at the party. He tried to pulse slowly and carefully (or as much as he could manage given his once-again-rising excitement):

"This one commends the other for their efforts. The harsh discourse of the Reapers has darkened so many voices; this one imagines the social and familial structures providing suitable ideological guidance for the young must have suffered severe disruption, leaving many adrift. The other's cause is of interest to this one. This one represents a community of pilgrims hoping to observe the Many Voices of the galaxy in their efforts to comprehend the shared experience of a galaxy much changed by trial and revelation".

He didn't mention that he was representing them in the unofficial sense only.

"I'm sorry. I know that was important. But... Your a hanar aren't you?"
That adds to about...12 aliens he's ever talked to.
"Do you have, like, cyborg gills to breathe air, or are you guys amphibious?"
Get a grip. Even Alex wouldn't want to describe how his race breathes to some dumb ass.
"Sorry. Um, so, representing your culture must be a big task?"
He turned to snow, oddly used to the fact that he needed to start several conversations at once.
"And you. How is working for Michelle?"

Sarah thought about going home- A prospective idea that was getting better by the moment. Inebriated- Irritated, and exhausted. Need to wait the party out, though, and talk to people- She thought to herself- And don't act like you've had a third of a bottle of whiskey. She took a drink of punch and made her way over to the group, trying to distract Snow for a conversation.

"Hey. I like your jacket, guy." She finished off her punch and shook her head slightly, setting the clear plastic cup on the bartop.

"It's a job, no complaints so far, lower Tayseri has it's charms."

Snow nodded to Alex, hard to get a read on the guy with those shades of his. Laykalar's statement was interesting, learning about the emotional and cultural impact the supersquids had on the galaxy, that would be quite the task. But as the ex-salvager started to say as much, the blond who was watching him before stumbled over, asking Snow about his coat. "Guess I should be pleased that she didn't spill her drink on me", thinking as he turned his head to her, meeting her glassy stare cooly, his grey eyes revealing no emotion,

"Thanks, I guess", Snow replying offhandedly, trying to keep it low key for his boss, despite his antipathy for the Alliance a bar fight was not needed. "So, how'd get your SATAE approved coat?"

At some point in the last few minutes, a well-dressed gentleman had entered the restaurant and made his way towards the buffet table. Now, with light plate in one hand and a glass of brandy in the other, he approached a group of party-goers.

"This is a lovely place, Ms. Thompson. My compliments to the owner."

Before drunken Sarah could answer, Michelle took the lead on this with Snow.

"Julian, you may recognize Sarah, aka Vigilant Vanguard from the board. Sarah is the one who sold us the place we're at, and she was very nice about it, I like to think we're good friends now. You seem a bit under the weather though Sarah."

"Um, the individual who sold an antique violin? Right, nice to put a face to a name", Snow added, grateful that Miss Whiskers had stepped in, allowing him to turn back to Laykalar, who was probably the only sober one here, aside from Snow. Right, hanar from Kajhe, attempting to assess cultural impact the Reapers had on the galaxy. Tall fuckin' order for anyone, might as well find out,

"So Laykalar, you're a cultural journalist, author? Or just a scholar doing a study on the impact the supersquids had on, well, everyone I suppose."

"This one is taking extensive notes, but these are intended for personal assessment only. It is not planning to release the notes for general review - such would be presumptuous given this one's relative inexperience!"

Although, now the human mentioned it, who knew where he might take his studies in future? He was still young, after all, and lucky to be riding the first cresting wave of the new intellectual era, through sheer luck and inexhaustible enthusiasm for seizing opportunity. A galaxy of potential knowledge was within reach of his tentacles. A little fantasy popped into his mind, playing on the edge of his thoughts. Returning to Kahje as a wizened scholar, releasing a comparative study of alien spirituality, earning the intellectual approval of the myriad sects! He pulsed happily.

"This one found the goals of the scholars it shoals with compatible with its own interest, and joined the group as an acolyte. Where this one's studies will eventually take it, this one cannot truly say. All this one knows for certain is that the path to greater insight requires acknowledgement of the myriad means by which the light, the word, is expressed by sapient beings, particularly now that the trials of the great storm have caused such upheaval. Together, these ones must strike out for new, more fertile banks, rather than flounder in the swell. This one is gratified to be given the opportunity to assist in that endeavour!"

As the human seemed amiable to discussing personal matters, he decided to probe back:

"What of the other? How did it come to be involved in the charitable efforts of Leaving the Ducts?"

He believed he had gotten the name right...

Seeing that he'd had his hunger satiated now, and having no interest in discussion with these people, Shaart decided to make his leave. Weaving through the crowd, he got to the exit and left, disappearing into the larger masses on the streets.

Like a drop in the ocean.

"By accident...no, that just suggests that my choices had nothing to do with it."

Laykalar, for all his courtesy and enthusiasm, sure knew how to ask the 'question', "how did I end up here", Snow thought to himself as he gazed up at Laykalar, his eyes showing a mix of regret and despair. But the acolyte had been honest with him, he deserved the same from Snow. The ex-salvager's voice a soft rasp but his posture erect as he spoke,

Before coming to the Citadel, I worked as a grey-market salvager, scouting wrecks for materials that could be used by the colonies, against SATAE policy but during this past year no one really cared. We, the crew I was affiliated with, we didn't sling drugs, didn't sell weapons or eezo. We weren't angels though, we bribed customs officials, ran blockades, and flat out denied earth the salvage we found. Eventually we overreached, they left me behind on Thessia. When it was time for the Alliance to decide my fate ,they gave me a choice, imprisonment or community service. I decided half a year of charity work was better than another 6 months in the brig.


Pausing for a moment as he zipped up his jacket, covering up his cream colored button-down shirt, Snow looked away for a moment before closing with,

"As for the why Laykalar, I guess I just got sick of making the wrong choice over and over. Mrs Rondor's charity...might be a chance to break the cycle. We'll soon find out," waving goodbye to the acolyte from Kahje, Julian Snow pulled his hood back on, his face a stony mask as he dropped 50 credits into the charity bowl and strode out of the bar without a second glance.