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

Albert saw were the wind was blowing, and didn't want any witnesses in the form of a fellow diplomat so he let it go, and stuck with platitudes instead.

"Luckily we have C-Sec and organizations like Leaving the Ducts to help us along. The assemblyman would probably love to tell you about his own plans to bolster the security of the Citadel."

He innocently took a sip from his glass, making plans.

Charity after charity. Fundraiser after fundraiser. Over the many years that Arthur had been a diplomat, attendance to events like these had sort of become the norm. Practically part of a weekly routine, almost. Even more so after the war, with the said war moving him closer to Terran politics rather than extraterrestrial diplomacy. It was something he always hoped to avoid while working for the Alliance and he really thought he did until the initiation of Alliance rule on Earth, which raised him to the level of a country's minister. Oh well. At least he still kept all the social gatherings.

Not that they were something he didn't care about. Experiencing the troubles all around the galaxy gave Arthur a greater social awareness. He was always happy to donate and participate in awareness raising efforts... but you surely cannot blame a man for enjoying the processes involved in the middle of it all.

Despite how grand the title "Minister of Culture for the Greece-Lower Balkans Region" may sound, its holder got a modest entry for sure. A mid-sized grey coloured aircar pulls up right outside of the venue. Only a small Alliance logo on its side showed its origin. The door opens and the diplomat swiftly exits the vehicle. He stands up, straightening his black suit discreetly. He was dressed, as always, simply and elegantly. A plain black suit with subtle dark green details. Neo-English cut, classic 2130s design. It might've looked classy and sophisticated to the people he met for the first time, but for those who knew Arthur well, it will always be 'that boring black suit he wears all the bloody time...' But it didn't really matter in the end, did it? They were probably just jealous anyways.

Arthur turns back to the car. Putting on a warm, friendly smile, he presents his hand to his 'Plus One' still waiting inside. Though he had come to know that the asari perception of 'gentlemanship' -if they had any that is- was somewhat different than the human one. But despite that, they were still familiar enough with the Terran ways to appreciate it.

Taleeze seemed like a nice person. The hours they spend together in the junkyards of the Lower Rhine Megalopolis got them both a lot of getting-to-know-eachother and bonding time. It was quite great, actually. Not only did it give Arthur the opportunity to break free from his daily sterile look and get greasy for once, but it also had him tinker with good old bike parts a bit. It was something he hadn't done in a while... and it surely brought back happy memories as well as get the rust off of some old, more manual skills. Doing it all in the company of another person made it only better.

Taleeze was wearing a brand new dress that evening. The retrieval of the elusive engine part had left her in high spirits and she had been shopping on the Presidium. The dress was of zero-weight thin fabric, the ‘colour’ being a blueish grey metallic that shimmered in various shades and reflected under the lights. It was long to her ankles with a slit on one side, held around her neck by a collar band. While the front was cascading like a waterfall in a very low cut decoltee, the back was displaying artfully placed cutouts which resembled the asari republican symbol of unity.

It was clinging to her forms or flowing like it had a life of its own as she moved, like her just having emerged from a pool of liquid metal. Her makeup consisted of a vague shadow of what could be turian face markings in a very darkish green-grey on her light blue skin.

It was the first Arthur and Taleeze had seen one another without a thick layer of grease over the entirety of themselves. It was almost as if they met all over again for the first time. He had to admit, Tal looked amazing.

The human helps Taleeze out of the car, still wearing his smile. As the vehicle lifts of behind them, they make their way into the party. Both of them very late, of course, like any decent pompous divas!

Being with a human mate had made Taleeze even more aware of human customs and courtesy. But her work in the entertainment biz made her familiar with a lot of the customs a while ago and she was playing them with a certain fascination at times. So this time, when she took Arthur's hand as he helped her out of the aircar. She then took his arm as they approached the entrance.

The whole trip to the Citadel had been very last minute and with twists. First the call by Ariake for a short notice commercial shooting around the pildavi test match, then Arthur's PM about the motorcycle junkyards! And then there was his offer for the banquet, which she gladly accepted, even more of a reason to buy a new dress.

Daia would also be there and a lot of people Taleeze knew and liked to meet. She was presenting her entry ticket and the doors opened again. The two entered in a regal gait and Taleeze looked around. It really was an impressive gathering. Daia was with the sundowner chief and another asari Tal didn't know... there was Arina and there was the unmistakable Michelle with Laykalar.

"I think we should say hello to the hostess first, Arthur," she suggested.

"Michelle, Laykalar, good evening. It's been a while."

The blonde held a hand out, throwing a small sprite of biotic energy into the air, following it's shimmer down her bare arm. Duffy shook his head and finished his last glass of wine- the two had been putting them away, with a nearby empty bottle laying on it's side. "So.. You throw sparks at people?" He leaned back against the catering table, his arms crossing against his chest. "I mean, no offense. The most I can do is temporarily blind people with a camera and get beaten up."

"No, I can - I am a badass biotic warrior on desk duty. I can defeat anyone in here in singles combat. I'm a shoe- in for spec-ops." The woman flexed her shimmering arm before lowering it. "I've just fallen out of shape. I used to be tougher. Heavier, faster, meaner, and now look at me, diaper duty and a failed marri-" she shook her head and washed her face with her hand. "Ok. No more for me. You- we're cool, right?"

"I suppose. Sorry to bruise your ego."

"It's fine. CDN does it every time I say something." She wandered off, throwing up her arms in a frustrated manner. She approached Albert Lowell and Max- and the Asari Embassies representative. "Albert!" She spoke, trying her best to appear sober. "How pleasant it is to meet you in better circumstances than our previous encounter. I was hoping to talk to you- later, if possible, as I know you're very busy. I'll be over by the podium." She gestured off, and wandered back to the podium with a confident bounce to her step.

Violin in hand again, she began to play, her inebriation causing "eccentices " in her performance of Bach.

He was very pleased that Taleeze had arrived; she was a familiar and supportive presence. With Sarah engaged in performing another musical piece - this one distinctly recognisable as human - he decided to wait a few minutes before speaking, which allowed him time to greet Taleeze appropriately.

"Rich and clear waters! This one is greatly pleased that the other could attend; it is glad to greet it in person once again! This one was about to make an introductory speech; it will admit to being rather nervous!" He didn't recognise the human. "It extends welcome, also, to the other's companion".

Taleeze made trips to the Citadel with relative frequency, it seemed, but he was unsure what her current circumstances were, and if she had other business on the station. Coming all this way merely to attend the charity dinner was perhaps excessive. If it was the case that such was her primary business, he must make sure to extend his thanks at a later point.

As the latest performance finished, to a scattering of polite applause, Laykalar made his move. After showing Taleeze and her companion to their seats, he moved onto the stage. He hoped that the sound system was working correctly. Translating the bioluminescent flashes of his native language to the sound effects that constituted those of aliens was a process that always fascinated him. He didn't know how it worked, but it even managed to reproduce the polite formality that was so important to hanar speech, according to the aliens he'd asked. That was always a relief.

From the room's edge, Snow gave him a hand signal to demonstrate that all was well, and he could proceed.

"This one would most humbly desire the others' collective attention!"

The conversations slowly halted as all fixed their gaze upon him, mostly with interest. At least, he believed that was the correct interpretation of their facial contortions and eye positions.

"If all honoured guests - in addition to the gentleman with the green lower limb coverings - would now be settled". That was humour, which he'd been practicing. No-one seemed to respond.

"It wishes to declare the First Official Leaving the Ducts Fundraising Charity Dinner officially underway!"

This time there was applause, some of it enthusiastic, some merely bemused.

"This one is extremely honoured and fulfilled that the others have collectively made the time to attend tonight's gathering! It has been greatly appreciative of the turnout, and of the fascinating array of clothing styles and individual forms of expression!"

He longed to inquire as to the relevance of much of it, but he had to stay on topic.

"It wishes to extend personal gratitude to all those honoured guests whose invitations were personally selected. To allow for this event to take up time in the busy schedule of a community leader - of politics, business or religion - is a most welcome and respectable demonstration of the others' support".

His mind raced, thinking about what to say next, and more importantly, how to say it. He hadn't in fact prepared a speech, having decided he wanted to speak "from the heart". He must try to keep things brief, while making his words meaningful.

"This one understands the need for supportive and integrative community. When this one left its birthworld to study with its fellow acolytes, it was unprepared for the wonders that awaited. Arrival on the Citadel was an experience it will never forget! It is profoundly grateful to those who welcomed it and permitted its efforts to attain understanding, even in breach of accepted social custom".

There was another round of scattered applause.

"This one is proud to have been given the opportunity to offer the local community a measure of that same support! Leaving the Ducts has allowed this one to continue its studies of the Many Voices while placing its efforts within a practical framework of benevolent aid to those who most need it. The respectable others have gathered here tonight in similar purpose!

All sapient races share in the same essential demonstration of Enkindlement: the support of their youngest members within the structure of a stable family or functional community. It is a distressing illustration of the tempestuous waters in today's galaxy that many of the young and vulnerable do not enjoy this essential support structure. The number of young living homeless within the station's interior has grown alarmingly since the War, as has the incapacity of the overstretched Council government to provide for them. With the need to channel resources into rebuilding the shattered reefs of the known galaxy, it is unsurprising that some should "fall through the cracks". Leaving the Ducts asserts that unsurprising does not equate to acceptable!

These ones must remember that justifying this evening's entertainment is a collective interest in the potential futures of those who have been left most vulnerable! For this one, such efforts have become extremely important. This one left its homeworld to explore the wondrous possibilities of the wider galaxy. It has found no greater demonstration of the essential qualities Enkindled within these ones than the cosmopolitan population of the Citadel, which brings ever more sophisticated and challenging arguments into play with each new population arising within it. This one has learnt much from immersion in such a stimulating environment. Yet it has also taken notice of a teaching common to many of the galaxy's cultures, though perhaps less prominent among its own people: that action is to be judged of equal importance to, if not greater importance than, Word itself. That it is not enough to merely speak with benevolent intent or philosophical sophistry, but that words must be later affirmed through action!"

He hoped his honoured elders understood what he meant here - it was hardly the time to construct an elaborate justification. The simplest of statements would have to suffice. It was increasingly unclear to him why maintaining a distance between the expedition members and the local community was assumed to further an understanding of alien spirituality, when most species considered practical and integrative effort an essential part of their self-expression.

"This one will gladly state here that its studies have been augmented considerably by its work for Leaving the Ducts, for having integrated itself into an active swell of positive, benevolent change!

It is this one's hope that all attending guests will enjoy the evening's dining procedure and its attendant entertainment, and that they will find common cause in bettering the lives of those depending upon the goodwill of their fellow beings! It hopes the event will be instructive and inspirational, as well as permissive of essential reflection on the necessity of Leaving the Ducts' work! This one has taken the time to ensure that the voices of individual preadults aided by Leaving the Ducts - and therefore aided by the generous donations of the others in attendance - are raised. Please enjoy the personal expressions conveyed through the cards and banners located around the room, or consult the available VIs for further information! It is also pleased to note several of the older beneficiaries of Leaving the Ducts in attendance, who have most courageously agreed to answer questions and describe their experiences!"

More applause, although judging how motivated an audience was could be difficult, he knew. Applause was, after all, simply polite.

"It reiterates its welcome and appreciation to the honoured guests who have thus far made this evening so successful! It now has the honour of introducing the learned Michelle Rondor, founder and day-to-day administrator of the Leaving the Ducts charity! It respectfully encourages the others to place their hands in proximity!"

Such flood of words. It must have been a by-product of the hanar being apex predators on their watery homeworld. Looming on the top of the food pyramid, with plenty of time not to devote for getting one's next meal and avoiding nasty death at hands of other predators must have been the key to them growing into so verbose.

Or was it because of the Protheans meddling with their evolution? Either or, unless it was both.

"Nothing severe so far, Rondor. Merely one paparazzi invading my privacy but he seems to have understood the source of my indignation."

Arina had noted a bit of an icy coldness from Albert. Maybe she had interrupted something important for him.
She just wanted to ask him something when Taleeze and Hoffmann made their late entry. What a nice surprise and what a nice couple! Arina was curious what connected the two and could not fail to notice the exquisite makuep on the asari. But almost immediately they were ushered to their seats. With an excusing gesture she followed and was seated at a table with her companions. There seemingly was no specific order and a bit of a surplus of seats to be flexible.

Then Laykalar took the podium. Hanar speeches were something of a kind. They often were hard to follow but Arina had her methods of picking up the essential parts. But Laykalar had his own very special way to talk, unusual for a hanar, so she had to pay attention but was also observing Max and Albert.

Outside, an elcor and a young human approached the hall. They had underestimated the time it would take them to move here at the usual pace of an elcor, for which the human boy occasionally shot exasperated glances at his elder companion. For his part, Xuumo-kalashasi acknowledged the silent rebuke with a scent cue and a low rumble.

Presently:

"You haven't told me what's bothering you. Again". Alonso was practically gritting his teeth over this. Apparently it wasn't just their tardiness that was preying on his mind.

"Evasive: I have a decision to make, Alonso. I will include you in the process when I have all the options ready to present to you. Patiently: Understand that this is our way. The Courts deliberate at length, studying the models and theories put forward by our ancestors, consulting the laws and precedents. It is a careful process. Self-regard: I am responsible for you, Alonso. I must deliberate as to what is best for us".

"And this dinner is another distraction, right? To keep me occupied".

"Thoughtfully: Not one of my choosing. I was asked to attend - *we* were asked to attend. Firm commitment: We still owe Ms. Rondor a lot, and may be dependent upon her discretion in future. I could not refuse her offer. Mild annoyance: I suspect the evening will be tedious, but if you can manage to enjoy yourself, then yes I will be pleased".

"I don't like the suit". He more or less muttered this, tugging at the collar of the formal wear he'd been given for the evening.

Xuumo qualified his words with unspoken cues of mild warning. "It was difficult to acquire".

"I mean I don't like wearing it. I appreciate it".

"Better".

Privately, though he certainly did expect the evening to be tedious, Xuumo thought it might do him good to have a distraction of his own. He had recently been offered exactly what he'd anticipated - a government post that would give him the opportunity to move things forward. For reasons he could only blame on his own stubborn fixation, he'd assumed - simply assumed - that he would be offered a position on Dekuuna. Instead, he was being asked to join the staff of a diplomat in the Salarian Union. It was a frustrating decision: turn the offer down and derail what had finally been set in motion, or inflict upon himself a world of hyperactive (and now paranoid) amphibians.

At least it might delay his having to find a solution to the Alonso problem.

"We're here, right?"

"With confidence: We are".

They could hear, however dimly, sounds from inside, apparently someone speaking at length. Presumably everyone's attention would be on the speaker. He would have said it allowed them a discreet entrance, were it possible for an elcor to be discreet.

Max resisted the urge to arch a bemused browplate at Lowell. Obviously that hadn't played out for the diplomat the way he had wanted. Too bad for him; if he had expected Max Vallario to simply roll over from a few platitudes and empty words, he was mistaken. The turian could tell, however, that this probably wasn't the last he was going to hear about this and definitely not the last he'd see of that character...

Instead, Max turned his attention to Arina- who was much easier on his eyes -smiling warmly and shrugging once more in a modest fashion. I'm sure the lady doesn't want to be bored by my idealistic daydreams for this station's future. After all, this night should be about the kids, shouldn't it? That's why we're here; not to talk shop about other things."

Albert nods towards Max, leaning in to say "Enjoy your evening Assemblyman, and good luck with... well it's only rumors so you shouldn't let it ruin your day." without anyone else hearing it.

He quickly moved to get to his seat not even bothering to look at Max, wondered what Sarah wanted to talk him about, then again he would probably know it soon enough.

Michelle beamed when she saw Taleeze.
"I'm so glad you're here! That's a great surprise. Although", she added with a wink, "I kind of wished you had worn the glasses! Ho and, who's your date? Hello, Michelle Rondor, president of Leaving The Duct, thank you so much for coming!"

"You guys are just in time", she said as Laykalar floated away, "he'll give a short introduction and we'll start the festivities. Let me walk you to your table".
As Laykalar talked they had ample time to walk to the table.
"Anytime now... Right, I forgot he said short introduction, but he's still struggling with the concept."
A rather awkward silence followed, as Michelle waited to be called but didn't dare strike up an actual conversation with Taleeze and Arthur.
Well looks like he's gone for an hour, I'll grab something to eat. Damn i'm starving.
Of course exactly when she had stuffed her mouth Laykalar called her to the stage.
Forcing the -surprisingly excellent- food down her throat and wiping out crumbs (Damn, don't I know how to make an entrance) she joined Laykalar and gave him a big smile.

"Very nice speech, very sweet", she whispered to him.

"Thank you so much Laykalar, and thank you everyone! Well, this won't be long, since Laykalar's introduction was pretty much my speech", she said with a mischievous smile. It was met with some laughter, although it was only half a joke.

"I'm going to state the obvious : This is an amazing turnout, especially for an organization as young as ours. I hope we'll show you that your trust is not misplaced.
Now this evening is organized according to hanar custom of fluid, free flowing thought and exchange. Basically it means that instead of being glue to your chairs while we talk all evening, you will be instead encouraged to go around, consult the material we made available, meet people, visit the buffet. At regular interval we will take the stage again and share information, the rest of the time we'll be available for any questions you have.

Also, as you can see over here local shop owners are setting up on this table, to sell their products. A lot of those you'll find nowhere else on the Citadel I might add, it's one of the advantages of living in the culturally very rich Lower Tayseri. Benefits of the sales will go toward Living The Ducts.

So we'll be back in a few moments with a more in depth view of the Duct Rats phenomenon, what we hope to accomplish and the results we've already gathered.
It's a lot less boring than it sounds, I promise.
Thank you everyone!"

Michelle left the stage under applause, waving at everyone.
"Xuumo, Alonso, you made it!", she said seeing the lumbering elcor, "thank you so much for coming! How are you guys?"

"A pleasure to meet you, Alystae," Daia replied. The other asari didn't offer any gesture beyond a smile, but then, hand clasps and such were far from universal; Daia responded with a turian-style half-bow, meeting her gaze evenly. "I'm sorry I- Oh, wait... To be continued?" she offered with a grin, as it became clear it was speech time for their hosts.

Seating didn't appear to be strictly allocated, so Daia took her seat along with Vindi's group, and gestured for Alystae to remain nearby if she wished. Glacing around she spotted Laykalar, greeting - her eyes widened in surprise - Taleeze, along with a well-dressed human, and gave a quick wave and a broad smile when the asari's gaze fell in her direction. Laykalar was moving back towards the stage, so she left a proper hello for later.

As befitting a guest she applauded politely at all the proper moments, and she was pleased to hear Michelle's explanation of the evening's structure - she far preferred unplanned conversation to rigidly-structured presentations, although in this case, also because beyond her usual curiosity (which the intermittent stage presentations would probably satisfy) and goodwill, she had no particular interest in the minutiae of Leaving the Ducts' operations, and would much rather enjoy socialising.

"Sorry," she said to Alystae, once the welcoming speeches had concluded. "Where where we? Oh yes - Freezer's Perch, a bar? I've got a notion I've read a post of yours about it, but I'm afraid it's been a long time since I lived on the Citadel for any length of time - my 'local knowledge' is extremely rusty."

Entering late- after Michelle's speech, was a tall, thin woman with flowing brown and black hair. Her clothing was rather plain- A white formal shirt, black slacks and slip-on shoes, broadcasting that her arrival may have been a last-minute plan. The woman adjusted her glasses and marched through the crowded dinner, her attentions focused solely on Sarah Thompson and her associate.

Sarah's attention was elswhere- The platinum blonde reclined back in her chair after listening to Michelle's speech, her hands washing her face. "Too much to drink. I shouldn't have jumped so willingly back on the wagon after being sober for that long." She turned to her date, who crossed his arms and leaned over to respond.

"At least you're having a good time. With what your sister-in-law has told me, you really needed a night without worrying." He slowly stood up and adjusted his tie. "What is it you wanted to say to that Lowell guy?" He raised a brow, looking up to the man in the distance- Completely unaware of the woman on fast approach- Whom stopped once she was close enough.

"It's nothing. He's a good -" Sarah turned, recieving a tap on the shoulder. The woman's expression changed polarity in an instant. "What do -you- want?" She spoke, the venom rolling off her tongue.

"Can we speak privately?" Chris asked quietly, removing her glasses. "Please. Eight years together and you won't even speak to me. I've tried the old apartment, I've called some of your coworkers- It took- Please. Just three minutes."

Sarah pressed the bottom of her palms against her eyes and slowly stood. "You've got three." She spoke quietly, after collecting herself. The two wandered away towards a more empty corner of the building, past the crowd.

Duffy stared into the pit of his drink. "Okay. So... what." He called out after a moment. "I'll be here, I guess! I'm not going anywhere." The man sighed, activating his omnitool and sitting back down.

Now Arina was sure she had outed the human diplomat on something. But can't be helped, there's be other opinions for him for sure. Also she could not help but notice the attention Max was giving her... his eyes were all over her now and she was happy she had opted for a covering dress. But of course she could play this as well.

She was speaking in a low voice while Michelle concluded the official part.
"You are so very right, Assemblyman, the children are so very important, now more than ever, everyone that made it past the Reapers counts. We are looking with great interest at the efforts this charitable effort here makes with the Duct Rats." No need to go into to much details for now though. "I had the pleasure to meet some of those kids a while ago, it was a very moving experience."

She sipped at her glass, smiling at Max and then applauded.

Laykalar believed his speech had gone well. The learned Rondor's had been shorter, more succinct, but she had also mentioned that he had covered most of the important points. He therefore believed he was getting better at expressing relevant information within a less verbose framework. The thought made him shimmer contentedly. Now, the guests would be eager to share their many insights regarding the problem of youthful homelessness! He longed to participate, but his sense of duty reminded him that he must attend to his elders. They were still clustered together, unwilling to mingle.

Were it possible for a hanar to float gingerly, Laykalar might have managed it as he made his approach.

Xuumo rumbled a greeting to Michelle. "Respectful address: As always, Ms. Rondor, it is a pleasure to see you. I apologise for having only just arrived. The journey took longer than I'd expected".

"He means he was slow" said Alonso, with the faux perkiness he often fell back on when he felt uncomfortable. So many well-dressed adults was still a shock to his system after two years living rough. He looked like he wanted to bolt.

"Tolerant humour: Yes, I mean that I was slow. Pointedly: Whereas Alonso here is simply ill-mannered".

"Sorry..." He wasn't really paying attention. Yes, he was definitely very uncomfortable. Xuumo had the urge to give him a friendly press of the forehead, were it a practical possibility. He doubted an attempt would end well. He'd have to settle for words.

"Smoothly supportive: It's alright, Alonso. We can stay on the edges. Self-deprecating: I doubt I can get very close to the centre of action anyway, not without bowling over a volus or crushing a chair.

Fondly: You can consider yourself a celebrity of sorts. I'm sure many of the attending guests would enjoy speaking with you. They can see how Leaving the Ducts has aided ordinary people like ourselves".

The opportunity to make some powerful contacts was also not to be sniffed at. Alonso was still a useful means to climbing back into quiet influence; the evening had potential, when he came to think of it. Especially now he'd had a good look at who was present.

"Quite all right Miss T'Nara, after two wars, and an unscheduled relocation, even a long time resident would be a bit disoriented", Alystae remarking as she followed the Illium entertainer to a nearby table, taking another slow sip from her bourbon, glad that the bartender used large ice cubes instead of lots of small ones.
"I only just arrived a little over a year ago, up until the end of the war, I was on earth for the past thirty years, give or take a few." Letting the smaller Daia take the lead to the table, Alystae found a seat, ideally placed with a good view of not just the podium and the center gathering hall, but the adjoining tables as well.

Waiting for the rest of the group to be seated, Alystae glanced around the hall and saw her little 'contribution' to the celebration, the small businesses in Lower Tayseri were in attendance there with their best products/services being advertised as part of a fundraising raffle. "like it or not Miss Rondor, I'm here to stay", a sly grin appearing on Alystae's face as she eased her tall willowy frame into her seat, sitting directly across from Daia, the Co-Op's honey yellow eyes returning to the entertainer as they listened to the hanar's speech, "a bit nervous are we?"the tall maiden thinking as she watched the hanar's delivery of the opening remarks. She nodded and applauded when needed, making sure to wait until the speech was over before returning her attention to the table.

"Oh, the Perch Miss T'Nara? It's a small labor of love for right now, just opened it about six months ago and now with the renovations complete we're ready for the new pilvadi season, dovetailing quite nicely with the reconstitution of the Citadel team. I'm hoping to make the Perch one of the to go places for the match if one can't get a ticket."

Arthur and Taleeze had been waiting out the speeches before looking to socialize a bit more. There were tables with buffets and drinks – something that always interested the asari dancer, if nothing else then for her biotic appetite. She had returned Daia's greeting witha bright smile - her nod saying 'get to you later!'.

But she still had something ‘official’ to do, so she took Arthur’s arm and directed him over to Michelle. “Let’s go talk a bit to the hostess, shall we?”

“Hey, nice speeches, congratulations. Good to see that your operation seems to be successful! That is an assembly of well connected people there.” She did not know half of them by face but it felt safe to assume, looking at all the expensive suits and dresses.

“I am coming from an Ariake business meeting… well, more exactly a rehearsal for a promo shooting I’m doing tomorrow at the Citadel Dome. I mentioned this thing here and their PR department fixed something quick for me.” She produced small data cache from a pocket and handed it to Michelle.
“It’s a small sum as a donation and a handful of free tickets to Citadel Keepers matches, courtesy of Ariake Entertainment.” Taleeze had noticed Michelles reluctance towards the adult entertainment industry, but Ariake was of course active not only in that sector.

"I know!" squealed Michelle, clapping her hand, "this is amazing! Seriously, thank you CDN! It's well worth the occasion rude douche, I'm telling you!"
"Ooh, tickets, nice the kids will love it, thank you! Speaking of Pildavi...", Michelle said tilting toward Daia, "I liked her idea of trying to get the league on board, but the thing is that none of them have actual biotic implants, some of them crappy ones at best. Those things are expensive after all, and require maintenance. It's not like you can play pildavi just with natural biotics can you?"

Taleeze was smiling at Michelle's joy, which seemed from the heart. She could not remember suggesting bringing the APU into anything though... maybe she had just forgotten. But she was surprised about the question.

"Well, of course you can... uh, asari can at least. I am... not sure about other species biotiocs, that may be soemthing else... do you have many non-asari biotic kids? They need special attention from all I know. But asari can do almost anything without implants." Where would we have gotten as a species otherwise?
"In fact, the league - most leagues - are observing implants very close to level the playing field. There has been a time when only non-implanted asari used to be allowed to play. Difficult homologation of implants into the league is one thing why you see so few non asari playing big. But I am pretty sure, your asari kids know how to play!" She laughed.

Arthur had kept in teh background, gentleman that he was.
"Do you two actually know each other? Arthur helped me with my bike parts!" She hugged him closeer, smiling wide.