[LTD-Tayseri-Peanut Gallery] Clusterfrak

Meanwhile, at the office of Assemblyman Max Vallario: the morning's operations were in full swing as the various staff-members in the office went about their duties. The experienced- and not surprisingly, buxom -Asari receptionist at the front desk was already transferring and screening about half-a-dozen other calls when a new one came in. Seeing how inundated an elected official's comm lines get with various NGOs, non-profits, interest-groups and other organizations clambering for attention and money, it wasn't surprising that Citadel Assemblypeople had some of the best caller-ID systems that credits could buy. The receptionist quickly cross-checked the number and truncated organization name with the list of which organizations to screen, and sure enough, found the organization called "Leaving the Duct" on the list. She let out a heavy sigh before opening the line; "Another one? Great. Here we go again..."

Taking half a second to compose herself, she switched over to her "phone voice" and began the call. "Office of Assemblyman Max Vallario, how may I help you?"

"Camera 3 is already malfunctioning, great", Snow murmuring as he finished the last of the tea. If it wasn't the rooftop sensors being twitchy, it was the cameras not actually recording. Heading back out to the alley to the left of LTD, Snow gratefully left Laykalar and the boss to their respective tasks, attempting to troubleshoot the camera system he juryrigged just a few weeks ago. Pulling up the list of possible malfunction symptoms on his omnitool Snow got to work on the camera, all the while not noticing a man on the street approaching him, wearing semi-casual work attire, looking very much a middle class citadel employee, until he got close and one saw the tattoo of a raven wrapped around the back of the individual's neck. And this man was headed right for Julian Snow.

"Hey Snowman, was just walking by, figured I'd say hello, talk about old times", the ex-salvager turned to see none other than Randall Erskine, his former block captain, now chief enforcer with the New Dillinaga Co-op, "just what I fuckin' need", thinking to himself as he turned from the still malfunctioning camera, giving the visitor a stony glare, "just walking by my ass. What do you want Randall?" Snow switched off his omnitool, adopting an insolent lean against the wall, meeting the gangster's gaze. "You got me Snowman, I need you to do me a solid, for old times sake." A look of angry surprise starting to creep onto Snow's features as he checked the streets briefly before responding, "a favor, after the shit you had me do for you with the DSC? You've got some fuckin' stones Randall." As the two men bantered, neither of them noticed an off-duty C-sec officer approaching, Randall smiling at Snow's last, "heard you boss is putting together a party for this place, now why hasn't my boss recieved an invite yet?"

The tired employee on the other end of the line really didn't deserve the degree of sheer enthusiasm she was about to be subjected to. She may have affected a cheery persona for the call, but it was no substitute for the real thing. Laykalar augmented his speech with subtle flickers and shifts in luminescence, which were translated as bubbly overtures of excitable sociability.

"Greetings! This one hopes the other is having a pleasant and intellectually stimulating morning, receiving and prioritizing communications on behalf of its employer! It is pleased to announce that it is calling in order to represent a most sophisticated and scholarly individual, one who shares the desire to better this ward's inhabitants through effective arguments for establishment of interactive and supportive community. This individual therefore desires to make a proposal to the honoured Assemblyman. This one is calling on behalf of "Leaving the Ducts", a Tayseri-based charity. It extends its best wishes to the office of the respectable Assemblyman, and hopes the other is familiar with the charity's work. May this one be put through to a senior representative of Assemblyman Vallario, such as may be authorized to manage the honoured assemblyman's schedule in the upcoming weeks?"

Vallario was turian, after all. They respected boldness and a more straightforward manner of address. (That Laykalar thought his speech straightforward was a depressing indicator of what a conversation with a hanar could so often be reduced to).

The secretary had to physically keep herself from head-desking right then and there. Of course it had to be a hanar. Of course it had to be the most overly enthusiastic hanar she had ever heard from. She did not need this right now.

As much as she just wanted to hang up right then and there, there's a bizarre set of rules in the political field when it comes to blowing off people who want something from you. You can't just hang up right then and there; that's immediate bad press. At the same time, using the "I'm sorry, so-and-so is out right now, can I put you through to their voice-mail?" only works so many times either. There's an art to call-screening, and Max had made sure to pick out a staff that had mastered that art. Summoning the energy to continue on, the asari forged her plan quickly and set it into motion.

"Just one moment sir. Could I get your name and the name of your organization again please?" So it begins. She almost felt sorry for the poor jellyfish. He probably had no idea what he was in for; so trusting...

Noticing the time on his omni-tool, Cavallius had started off toward Leaving the Ducts. He'd decided to splurge a little and take rapid transit, instead of choosing to walk the whole way. It'd cost him a few more credits than he would have liked, but it sure beat walking the whole day, getting distracted by something interesting as he walked by, or being worn out before the meeting even began. What a great first impression that would have made. When the car arrived a few blocks away, he got out and stretched before starting the short walk to the office.

He arrived at the address listed on his omni-tool and looked around, wondering where the door was. It seemed like he was in the right location; the place matched the description in the message. His instructions said to ring the doorbell, but where...? He spied the little button and pressed it with a talon. He noticed two men talking nearby, and after a few moments, he turned toward them and cleared his throat. "Umm, excuse me? If I'm not interruption, is this the right place for Leaving the Ducts?" He didn't know if they'd know about the charity, but it couldn't hurt to make sure.

Back at the LTD headquarters, such as it was, Laykalar was clarifying his purpose in calling Vallario's offce; or, at least, that was his intention.

"This one apologises profoundly for any failure in communication. Please excuse this one its enthusiasm for its new position, but it is most excited to be representing such a worthwhile cause! This one's face name is Laykalar, and it is affiliated with "Leaving the Ducts", a Tayseri-based charity. "Leaving the Ducts" performs socially uplifting work aiding young beings of all species, who have been regrettably left adrift on the Citadel".

As he spoke, he prodded his tea with a tendril, noting that it was cooling fast. He was unsure if the ritualistic significance of the tea was lost when the heat was released. Perhaps he should find some other way of disposing of the liquid while it was still reasonably warm.

"Mmhmm, mhmm." The secretary tried her best to sound interested and seem as if she was actually taking this down. "Alright sir, could you hold on for a few moments?" She didn't wait to hear an answer in the affirmative; she simply pressed the 'hold' button, sat back in her chair and hummed to herself quietly as she started checking the gossip sites on her omni-tool. As she was stalling, another staff member- a turian -walked up.

"Lira? Did a package come for me this morning?"

"Hmmm? Oh! Yeah, right here." The asari reached under the desk, putting a small, neatly wrapped box on top. "Just came in a few minutes ago."

"Thanks." The turian glanced down at the blinking 'hold' button on Lira's console. "Uh, you have a call waiting."

"I know. It's an over-zealous hanar from some duct rat charity trying to get on the Assemblyman's schedule." She slumped down in her seat and sighed. "I'm giving him the brush off routine but I think it's gonna take a while to finally ward him off."

"Ahhhh." The turian nodded knowingly. "I'll get on the line and see if I can't speed the process along a bit. We've got real work to do after all."

Lira grinned as her colleague made his way back to his desk, picking up on the call on his own console, taking Laykalar off hold after a few minutes of waiting. "This is Rek Thalar speaking, can I help you?"

As the secretary had rightly feared, the "brushing off" hadn't been having much effect on Laykalar. Discontinuing a conversation without making appropriate closing statements was extremely impolite, and honestly unthinkable to most hanar. Thus it would never have even occurred to Laykalar that the lengthy wait was due to a desire *not* to speak with him. Instead, he simply assumed the office was busy with many urgent matters, and he happily floated in place, waiting for the discussion to resume. As he did, he listened in on the young asari who would soon be spawning, as she and her turian mate explained their vision for a shared future to Ms Rondor. How charming! He reflected that the asari capacity to mate with any other species, and the siari faith that interpreted this as evidence for the oneness of all, was a fascinating reflection of his own beliefs. Then again, the asari were an old and wise people, and had - he now knew - been directly touched by the Enkindlers. He was pleased to have before him a scene reaffirming the charity's commitment to Enkindlement and integration of myriad young minds. He shimmered in happiness.

As the call resumed, with a different person on the other end, he assumed his request to speak to someone more influential had been heeded.

"Greetings! This one is Laykalar, of ''Leaving the Ducts". It extends pleasantries to the respectable other, and inquires as to whether it may make a proposal to the office of the honoured assemblyman?"

The tea had been picked up in a tendril and poured neatly into a small potted plant stationed nearby (perhaps an attempt by Rondor to brighten the place up). Slight drifts of steam arose from the soil as the warm liquid drained into it. Now the ritual of tea had been concluded, with the beverage disposed of and the cup ready to be retrieved and bestowed on the next visitor judged worthy of receiving it.

"Leaving the ducts? The charity for duct rats? I'm sorry sir, but that's not my issue area; there must have been a mistake when you were transferred. If you hold on just a few moments, I'll see if I can find the right legislative assistant for you to talk to. She might be out at lunch at the moment however; but I'll see if I can track her down. I'm gonna put you on hold for juuuust a moment. Hang on."

The turian promptly clicked hold on his own terminal, humming as he got to his feet to refill his mug of caffinex. Just another day in the office of an elected official.

"So", explained Michelle for the second time, "the LTD loan gives you enough money to get transportation to the planet where you find work, to find housing and to live for a while. The interest is 0% of course, and you have ample time to pay it back. What you need to do is-"

"The hanar's cute", interrupted the young asari.

Michelle sighted. She was really struggling to keep the two young future parent's attention about how they life could go.

"What do you mean cute?" answered Tanri, slightly upset.

"Not that kind of cute silly!" answered Kamila, chuckling. "Although..."
The two kids started half arguing half joking. Michelle didn't interrupt them for she needed a small break too.

She took this opportunity to check up on Laykar. She could hear that he was already talking to someone else, he must have secured Vallario already. Impressive. She saw him dip a tentacle in his tea.
Hu. So that's how he drinks it. Good to know.

A little bip on her omnitool informed her that camera 3 was back online.

Well done Mr Snow.

She displayed the camera to test it and was surprised to see him talking to this strange guy that accosted them at the bazaar. Randall something. Shifty type. And now a CSec agent was coming to talk to them. This was a potentially explosive situation...

"Shit",Snow hissing at Randall as a turian walked over to where Snow was situated, arguing with Randall. "Nice work asshole, now you have C-sec here", "Me Snowman, no no no. He's here because of the shit you pulled at the shelter", Randall giving his former gang subordinate a sly grin. Snow checked the area as the turian, identifiable by his uniform neared the duo, an idea just came to the lean young man, an evil smirk starting to form,

"Yes, this potential donor and I were about to step inside, care to join us?" Calling out to the cop, Snow struggled not to laugh at Randall's discomfort, the Co-op enforcer glaring back at Snow, "what the fuck are you playing at Snowman?" Snow let his smile fade before replying, his dark grey eyes meeting Randall's. "If you want an invite for that shitbag blueback smiler you call a boss, you'll play along Randall. Otherwise, start walking." Snow glared at Randall, daring him to just leave, instead the enforcer just chuckled, "that would be too easy Snow, we'll play it your way...for now." The two men turned to the turian cop, smiling nonchalantly at him, just two working men on Tayseri ward.

Dante watched the two men talking nearby, puzzled. He didn't know what the issue was, but they looked like they weren't getting along. Some kind of argument going on maybe? The one spoke up about donating though, and his confusion cleared up. Ah, probably negotiation donating terms or something. Charities could be pushy some times, so he understood why the one man could be irritated. The other human's smile still seemed a little strange, but he supposed it was just left over from their discussion.

They sure were acting a little weird though. He quirked a brow plate at them before clearing his throat. "Er... yes, that would be fantastic, thanks. I'd sent a message a little while ago saying I'd drop by some time this week."

The stalling tactic still wasn't working against Laykalar. In happy ignorance, he continued to assume that the only reason someone would seek to end a conversation so swiftly was because other, more urgent matters must be attended to first. Essentially, the longer he was placed on hold the more impressed he became with the assemblyman's office, and his regard for Vallario's charismatic leadership grew ever stronger. Truly, this must be a most wise and learned politician, with much spiritual guidance to offer! Otherwise he would not be in such demand as to have no-one suitable immediately available to enter the conversation. Perhaps - and this sent a shimmer of happy anticipation through his body - he could engage in personal and stimulating discussion with Vallario at the charity dinner itself, assuming he succeeded in convincing him to come. The Assemblyman and his disciples/employees must be busy indeed, for the turian who had placed him on hold this time was the second representative to place a breaker on the conversation. While he waited for the turian to fetch another official, Laykalar jotted down notes for his latest study project. His recent essay on moralistic binaries had been reasonably successful, and it had apparently pleased Jasthe to have him contributing to the student discussions rather than debates in the Inner Sanctum. (Bubbling off tangent for a moment, he'd been intrigued to note that a proposal had been introduced by some of the Elders to alter the sect's rules regarding criteria for membership in the Sanctum's exclusive swarm. It was a highly exciting development; he seemed to have provoked reflection on the suitability of tradition, a sign that his insights were perhaps being recognized!). To pursue the issue of binary morality in religion further, he considered starting a poll of sorts on CDN, in the manner of that charmingly well-spoken drell.

He didn't end the call; it would never occur to him to do so, as to end a conversation so abruptly would be the height of rudeness, ill-mannered in the extreme.

"Is he still on the line?"

"What do you think?"

"For the love of-" Lira sighed, rubbing her temples as she stared down at her console. "I'm no racist, believe me; but sometimes I just get so sick of hanar. They just can't take a hint. I mean, literally. They don't understand subtlety at all."

Rek shrugged. "We could uh... I dunno. Um... Oh hey!" It was just at that moment the office's young college intern was walking by. "Timmy!"

"Huh?" The nervous young pimple-faced human boy almost jumped out of his shoes and nearly spilled the armful of data sticks he was holding. "What did I do?!"

"Yeesh, relax." Rek gestured down at the console. "There's a call on the line, and Lira and I are busy with... uh, stuff. Think you could grab it for us?"

"Oh! Yeah! Um, sure!" Timmy smiled awkwardly, making his way back to his own small, crowded excuse for a desk. After wedging himself past several mainframes and file cabinets, he sat down and picked up the line. "Uh, hello? Max Vallario's office. Have you been helped?"

"Nice of the boss to mention that", Snow grumbling as he exited the alley, Randall Erskine following suit as they approached the C-sec drone. Nearing the turian Snow keyed up his omnitool, unlocking the front entrance, calling out to the new arrival, "hope you don't mind my curiosity Officer, whatever the hell they call you. I wasn't told about your visit, and it seems highly unlikely that you're here just to see what's what." The ex-salvager fixing the turian with his thousand yard stare as the trio started to enter, Randall whispering in a sotto tone, "probably got lost on his way to get doughnuts and coffee." The 'donor's' crack earning a glare from Snow as the C-sec officer, Co-op enforcer, and indentured charity worker entered Leaving the Ducts.

Such a warm welcome, he thought, scowling slightly. "That's odd, I left a message saying I'd be stopping by…" He shook his head. It seemed a little odd that it'd never been mentioned to the man all, but the woman in charge had to have been busy and it probably slipped her mind to tell him. No big deal, miscommunications happen sometimes. Though he was starting to wish he'd have left a little bit better forewarning before he came to visit. Maybe then he wouldn't have to deal with these two who clearly didn't very much like him being around.

He followed the two men inside, shrugging. "I know, it seems unlikely, but it's true. I'm not hear to 'scope things out' and see if anything's under the table." Though it wouldn't hurt to check that everything was legitimate at least, he pondered briefly. "Just seeing if there was any way I could assist, it's a good cause." C-Sec had been a little tight on resources these days, but anything that could help people and maybe reduce gang presence seemed like a good idea to check out.

Michelle was having trouble keeping her composure while taking a pill against migraine. The ridiculous heat was taking its toll, and the two kids were now debating if yes or now Tanri had flirted with that supposed bitch Tafrik. Tanri's explanation that really wasn't into batarian girls or Michelle's pleading to get back on topic had no effect whatsoever, so Michelle decided to let it play out.

It was the moment where Snow, Randall Cavallius and a keeper came in. The keeper started moving the fridge around, because sure why not. Michelle was suspicious of Randall and worried that a C-Sec agent was here at the same time. She smiled warmly to the newcomers nonetheless.

"Hi everyone, welcome to LTD! May I offer you tea? You must be Cavallius right? So nice to see you! I have levo drinks don't worry. Sorry about the heat, it should be fixed later. Hopefully."

Michelle saw Snow's confusion and had a sudden doubt.

"Mr Snow I told you Cavallius nicely offered to come check on us right?"

She may have forgotten to alert her head of security about that. Oopsie.

Dante was thrown for a bit by just how hot the room was when he walked in. Add in the two older kids bickering on the other side of the room, plus the keeper doing what looked like some kind of kitchen renovation, and he started to wonder how anyone could focus with all the distractions.

Rondor caught his attention and he nodded. "That's correct, it's a pleasure to meet you." He made a reassuring smile as best he could. "Ah, just water is fine, thank you."

"Sorry for dropping by mostly unannounced, your coworker seemed a little surprised to see me. I hope I'm not taking up too much of your time…?" He glanced toward the two kids for emphasis. "Though if you're busy, I can wait for a bit. It's not a problem at all."

"No, you didn't Miss Rondor, but fairs fair, I brought an unexpected visitor here myself, the 'trade guild organiser' himself. Welcome to Leaving the Ducts Randall." Snow was trying to keep cool as he showed the Co-op enforcer in, but his eyes told the story, dark and angry as Randall found an open spot near the main sitting room. The auburn haired enforcer smiled genially at everyone despite the heat, as if this was the place to hang out, "I like the set-up, very energetic. Makes me eager to see what you'll have in place for the fundraiser." Giving Miss Rondor a knowing smile, Randall helped himself to a glass of water. His former street soldier, turned charity worker snorted in disbelief as he walked over to Randall, amazed that the Co-op would be this fucking blatant. Taking a deep breath, Snow gave Randall Erskine the form refusal,

"I am, lets just say intrigued that a small business owner like Miss T'Naron would be interested in aiding Leaving the Ducts, however, the invites have been sent, space is limited, and a certain Max Vallario will possibly making an appearance. I'm regret to say is that we have no room, however if Miss T'Naron makes a donation, she'll be eligible for the bi-monthly newsletter." Giving Randall a small grin at the last, watching his former gang leader for signs of anger or impatience, how Randall reacted would reveal the Co-op's state of mind, hopefully.