[Illium/Citadel] the techno vixen (closed)

“The keepers are cool, aren’t they? When I saw how the Citadel looked right after… it, I thought all is lost there. But they just spawn out of thin air of breed in cracks in the plating or wherever. Amazing creatures.” She looked after the one in question, then back towards the upward curving horizon. They started their decent, arms entwined.

“I believe, earth sees a lot of traffic from Citadel citizens now, no matter what species. I firmly believe, there are only very few people who never feel the urge to stand on a planetary surface. But when you grow up here and lived here for decades then it sure must be a strange thing to suddenly lose the limits around you. Open sky might be as intimidating as open sea is to a lot of other species. Asari do not have this fear but I know others do. What about you and open seas? We’re going to ride the FuHa after all pretty soon.”

The lower they came the more natural things seemed. From the higher levels the curvature was much more visible. Inside buildings on the side of the ring, the construction as in such a way that from one door to the ext it seemed as if you were on level ground. Also, the curvature was enormous as well. A holographic marker indicated the way to the sights, the Krogan statue and the replica of the Mass Relay, in close proximity to the Embassy complex. Cluttered near the traverse to the Council Tower were all the consulates and embassies, flagged with their colors and symbols. There was the Asari Embassy, the centerpiece and oldest of them all, which Taleeze recognized with a smile. The salarian one to one side, next to the Hierarchy Embassy and on the other hand, the Council’s latest addition, the human Alliance Embassy.
“Look, over there is the new Rannoch consulate. There’s even a geth, look!” Geth were rare sights but indeed there was a platform and a quarian exchanging some data obviously, since the quarian was operating his omnitool.


The fountains send their sprinkle into the air, making small rainbow sparkles visible from certain angles. A turian and an asari C-Sec officer were strolling along the pools in a relaxed manner.

Arina was just leaving the embassy main gate. She was looking forward to an afternoon off in preparation of a negotiating marathon over prospecting rights in a remote system. Luckily she had her papers already submitted for the team and her presence was mostly just a backup. She didn’t like the boring night sessions due to time shift holo conferencing but the time arrangement was a sign of good will to a salarian dalatrass in that system.

She wore a formal asari robe, green with white frontline and black applications. Her idea was to grab a snack and stretch the legs a bit on a bench or in palaven gardens maybe. There was a fairly popular street vendor down the presidium, close to the krogan monument. It got frequented by a lot of embassy personal for lunch break. It was a bit early so she was hoping for no waiting line.

As she walked, she noticed a tourist couple, a human and an asari approaching, engaged in sightseeing and conversation. Then she suddenly recognized them as the same couple from that club… oh that night. That had to be Taleeze and her girlfriend… bondmate, she didn’t know. She remembered not having a chance to talk to the asari whom she knew from the CDN forums. The probability vortex just provided another opportunity.

As they got closer, she raised a hand for a wave.
“Hello, now that’s a coincidence!” No, it wasn’t really, in a galactic context. “Taleeze, hello! I’m Arina. I saw you at the BlueShift the other night, didn’t get around to talk to you though, sorry. Congratulations on your performance.” She smiled, extending her hand, as the trio had now met. Towards Skylar she added with an appreaciative nod “And congratulations on your lovely company. I am Arina Caenis, a pleasure to meet you! What are you doing up here, sightseeing?”

While pointing here and there, it took sometime until Talezee recognized the asari approaching from the side. But when she saw her, she recognized the face and the expression on the other one’s face was that of recognition as well. That had to be stardust from CDN! Of course, since Taleeze knew she was working at the embassies and her face was fairly recognizable with the distinctive, almost quarian like markings.

“Hey!” she waved and greeted, taking the offered hands. “Yes, a bit of sightseeing finally. May I introduce, that’s my partner.” A word much too weak, Taleeze mused, pulling Skylar closer a bit, to put emphasis to the point. Towards Skylar she explained. “I know Arina from that incredible extranet forum.”

“What are you up to? Terribly busy keeping the galaxy together I assume?”

Arina had to laugh. “Oh, no, I am done for today. Somebody else keep doing this, now’s the private me. I was just about to grab a bit of lunch and relax. I think I could as well accompany you two for a bit, it that’s okay? My Lunch is waiting just down there.” She pointed towards a small shopping aisle further down the Presidium.

“What brings the two you to the Citadel? I guess it’s not just the clubbing, right? If you have announced it on CDN I have missed it unfortunately.”

"So there is," Skylar murmured, trying not to stare too obviously. "I've never seen a geth before. So-" She stopped and shook her head, with a wry grin. "I almost said 'lifelike', but that's quite unfair, isn't it? Judging something's capacity for sapience based on how much it reminds us of ourselves. Very human, though." She gave a dry chuckle, then looked faraway. "'The paragon of animals.' But we can learn to be better. We have good examples to inspire us."

Her gaze focused, and she shot a smile at Taleeze.

"Daia will be fuschia with envy," she added. "You know how she is with curiosity about everything new. I understand she's been grilling her mother relentlessly for details after every geth visit to her institute on Thessia."

From the Rannoch consulate her gaze drifted across the buildings, noting each display of colours and sigils in turn. For all that she felt more at home in the company of asari than her own kind, there was a special sense of pride in seeing the Alliance symbol among all the others. Lost in thought and with her eyes on the architecture, she didn't notice the newcomer until she spoke up.

"Skylar Sinclair," she introduced herself. "How do you do? We'd be delighted to have your company," she added, with a glance at Taleeze, who obviously had no reservations about Arina joining them for lunch. Her smile took on a proud beam at the mention of what had brought them to the Citadel in the first place, but she left the explanation to her companion - it was, she thought, her accomplishment first and foremost.

In fact, Taleeze had hoped for Skylar to tell the story as she still was hesitant to tell it like she was the superstar and make herself center of attention about it. It still seemed too fresh and a bit unreal maybe.

“No, strictly speaking we came here for business, which we just managed to get down with on day one. I made a few nifty mods to a tech armor and cloaking device, to be used a s stage effects. You may remember the halftime show I did with Daia T’Nara on Illium? You’re a pildavi fan so you may have seen it. That got purchased, or more precisely licensed by Ariake. They will launch a whole line of ‘electronic costumes’. I think they will have it out once ‘Bliss’ is around. Yeah, so we had to negotiate the final terms of that contract. I ended up becoming a free lance developer. I can submit my ideas or mods and they will integrate it to their E-store!”
Towards the end, Taleeze got a bit more exuberant.
“And as of that evening we’re indeed tourists.” She looked over at Skylar, cocking her head and smiling, finally placing a tender kiss on Sky’s cheek.

All the while they had walked down the alley next to the ponds. To their left was now the krogan monument.

“So much has happened since these days. And now they even have all new consulates again. How’s it going with the krogan? My only closer experience, beside a few freelancers on Cyone during the war is a krogan chef. Probably not the most usual example, but an excellent cook! Should you ever be on Illium, try Kaga’s!”

Arina listened with interest. She already knew from the extranet and close and personal observation what kind of exciting showgirl Taleeze was. She had seen the show and the match although she had far too little time for the sports, she thought with regret.
“In fact I do remember! That was kind of an impressive show! Congratulations then!” But she sighed after a pause. “I sometimes wish, more maidens would combine their education and profession a bit more with their entertainment…” she almost said ‘phase’ or ‘episode’. “… ventures. I mean, it is absolutely okay to be carefree and just outgoing but when you take classes for a few decades you could do something with it, right?

Sorry, I don’t want to sound like I don’t enjoy what you do! I really do, you’re a real pro, caring about all the aspects of the art” she developed a more positive and joyful tone. “Even so much as looking into other species culture, like with the quarians. It’s just… some younger maidens are just… slouching and that’s a luxury we can hardly afford these days.”
She touched her head, laughing.

“Gosh, I sound like a dense Matron or a prude – which I am most certainly not. I’m sorry. Also I do in fact know that the payday can be awfully good in your line of work. Probably sometimes better than mine! The entertainment is a vital and important industry. It’s good to see bright people like you to have success.

What’s your profession, Miss Sinclair, if I may ask?” Arina gave the human a bright smile. The asari saw the obvious happiness between the two – young love working out, so nice to watch.

When Taleeze observed the Krogan monument, Arina mused for a moment.
“I’ll remember that place for sure then! In fact there has been a plan for a monument for the Reaper war but discussion is still ongoing as to what it’s going to be exactly. Some say, a statue of the Spectre Shepard should be erected, others say that’s totally inappropriate… we’ll see.”

Skylar smiled proudly at Taleeze, glad to see her becoming more animated as she explained her arrangement with Ariake. 'Shy' wasn't a word she would use to describe the asari, but it was clear - she only had to think back to the morning before the meeting - that she didn't feel as comfortable in every arena as she did on a stage. It was good to see her gaining in confidence.

"Certainly you may," she replied to Arina, still beaming from Taleeze's kiss. "I practice law - originally your run-of-the-mill corporate lawyer, back on Bekenstein, but for various reasons I took it upon myself to move to Illium several years ago. There's always corporate work to be had, Nos Astra being what it is, but the majority of my time goes to the IISS: the trade union for exotic performers, like Taleeze here, and escorts and the like. Illium's equivalent of the Sapphire Alliance here, which you may have heard of. I represent them in legal matters, business negotiations - wherever I'm needed."

She gave Taleeze a fond glance, then looked back at Arina.

"I have a vested interest there, too - a second career as a burlesque dancer. Which you can probably imagine did not endear me to the executive elite of Milgrom, back when I lived there. Another reason for the move to Illium. I manage to fit a stage show into my schedule every now and then, and collaborate on other performers' productions, which speaking of the Terminus Cup is how I came to know Taleeze."

Taleeze got another warm glance, then Skylar once again returned to Arina, curious.

"You're a member of the embassy staff?" she asked, obviously impressed by the notion.

Arina had to laugh over Skylar’s job description, but it was a bright laugh, full of admiration.
“Oh, that is interesting. That is – if you allow me to say that – something I would more expect from an asari than a human. Having close contact to your representatives I think I get the idea that your lifestyle was not exactly viewed as professional conduct.
It looks like you two are a great match in many aspects, sharing the passion for aesthetic display on a stage!”
It was such an adorable couple, and two very beautiful ladies indeed as she had to note. They looked like on honeymoon, a chuckle escaped her

“I indeed am a member of the greater asari Embassy, part of the Thessian detatchment. I also do know the Sapphire Alliance, we keep close contact of course for various reasons. Often enough we offer our aid as well where we can. The sex trade is a business that has two faces, no denying. Not every species is as easygoing about it as the asari.” She looked at Skylar.
”No offense! I am sure you understand what I mean. Everything that provides safety for every sex worker – or anyone in the business is a great concern for the asari representatives as my species represents a majority there in C-Space. In fact, I sometimes wish there were better connections into the Terminus. We’d have means to interfere at the root of things maybe.” She sighed. In fact, she had already said more than she should have but Arina felt that Skylar in her line of work was someone in the same boat. She decided to drop the subject, but to be open should Skylar want to dive deeper into it.

“Anyway, I mostly refer to my duties as that of a supply unit. We do the logistics and preliminary analysis for negotiators or ambassadors. Which means, I am often present but get to observe and do reports later. Not everything can be analyzed by computers or VI, we have learned that a long time ago.”

She directed the group to line of kiosks in a shopping aisle on the lowest level of the Presidium, where the ponds where. There was only one food shop, a small counter, behind it was a kitchen area with lots of grills, pots and other supplies, overhead a hologram with a the words ‘Embassy of Food' and a menu, representing a small but diverse list of popular snacks, human, asari, salarian, turian…. A yellow salarian was behind the counter, reading a datapad, the latest of Sur’Kesh charts was playing from a stereo somewhere.

On the benches near the place where a few people seated, munching stuff, mostly reading news. It was not at all crowded at this hour.

“Here we are. Sorry, it’s nothing big, but I tell you, he makes the best hot-dog on the Citadel. Approved by Councilor Osoba even, as the story goes.”

Arina greeted the salarian behind the counter.
“Hello, Krill, what’s up today? I’d like a hot-dog, just mustard. And the ladies are on me!”

“Yey, Miss Arina! Nothing big. Slow day, actually. Time to read the news.” The salarian replied in a staccato as he fished for a sausage and prepared the bun in lightspeed. An observer may have noted that his skin was the same color as the mustard.
“Greetings, dear ladies. What’s it for you?” he addressed Taleeze and Skylar.

Taleeze listened to Arina, as they walked. She looked around, noting all the refurbished well known establishments and offices. The Citadel somehow looked as if there never had been a war. It always had been fast with self repairs by the means of the Keepers and other, still not fully understood mechanics. It was a marvel of the galaxy, still today.

“Your work is quite cool. You get to know all the secrets and stuff, it’s the pulse of the galaxy. Also, all those important people. Do you even get to meet the Councilors, like Irissa or Tevos?” Taleeze was a bit in awe, since this was a level she wasn’t used to really. But Arina was down to ground, a nice asari, just like she came across on the forums.

Then they reached the food kiosk. It’s name may be a bit flamboyant in comparison to the scope of the actual shop but it was obvious the place saw a lot of the embassy personal. She tried to guess how many deal could have been struck here, outside conference rooms, over a sinso-stick or a flamu-bird leg.

“Oh, wai… that wasn’t necessary, Arina, thank you!” She wanted to object, but the other asari seemed dedicated on treating them.

“Okay, hi, I’ll have a… bowl of T’Lovi’s algae salad. Oh, and cup of coffee… but what’s an ‘Einspänner’ for wake’s sake?”

Krill was preparing the bowl and handled the coffee machine at the same time, while explaining:
“Human coffee thing. Delicious. Funny name though, has to do with horse carts. Invented by coachmen. Not sure about the details. Should do research. It’s mow-ka with lots of cream. Here you go, ma’am!”

It had taken mere seconds, there was a bowl of salad and a glass with the Einspänner, going from almost black at the bottom to an enormous whipped cream topping.

“And for you, lovely Miss?” he was blinking at Skylar, smiling like only salarians could.

"You certainly may say that," Skylar smiled, at being compared to 'more an asari than a human'. "I consider that a great compliment. As I'm sure Taleeze will confirm," she shot her companion a grin, "I hold asari philosophies and lifestyles in very high regard." She practically glowed at being called 'a great match' with Taleeze; clearly her affection for asari didn't stop at philosophy.

Her smile faded as the seedier side of her industry came up, and she nodded ruefully.

"All too true," she agreed. "Earth's own civilisations have a long and regrettable history of stigmatising the sex industry. Those with influence in conservative societies have been all too happy to employ the services of escorts and the like while washing their hands of any responsibility for their welfare." She gave Arina a smile, to assure her that she hadn't been upset by the comment. "One area in which we have much to learn from our newfound galactic neighbours - but in which, happily, I understand progress is being made. Thanks in no small part to patient diplomacy," she added, tilting her head to the asari in acknowledgement of her part in the grander scheme of interstellar affairs.

She looked ahead, and grinned at the holographic sign.

"Apt," she noted. "Few things bring people together as effectively as sharing a meal." She bowed her head in thanks at Arina's offer to cover lunch. "You must let us return the favour before our holiday is over. And hot dogs, you say? I'd regret passing up the opportunity, if their reputation is as good as all that."

She turned to the salarian, after a quick glance at the menu.

"One hot dog - with Armali high dressing, if it's no trouble, I fancy those will go rather well together. And a chocolat chaud," she added, spotting a favourite on the drinks menu.

“Sure, ma’am. Plasure, not trouble.” He took special care to apply the well tempered Armali topping onto the sausage, then pouring the chocolate from a covered pot with a small nozzle.
“Enjoy you meals.” he told the trio.

Arina was occupying one of only two tables around. It seemed more convenient to put down the beverages. They had to stand, but that was okay for food like hot dogs. As she recognized a turian reading news and having a drink, she waved and nodded a greeting which he returned.

” I grew very fond of them, really. And please, you’re the guests here, don’t mention it.”
She shoved the sausage through the bun so it only looked out on one side and then she bit that end off. Always the first act in devouring this funny human food, she thought, trying not to get the mustard all over her dress.

She laughed mildly at Taleeze’s question about the Councilor.
”Yes, I see The Concilor from time to time, she resides in the tower though mostly. But former councilor Tevos is quite often involved in all kinds of diplomatic negotiations, I report to her from time to time. It’s not that big a thing. Aside from the Councilor herself we are a pretty flat organization. It’s about individual expertise and a common goal.”

She again smiled at Skylar.
“You’re kind, Skylar. I am glad somebody appreciates our diplomacy these days. In fact I have to say, the tone gets excited way more often these days than it used to, even when I first came here, after the war.

Coming here from mostly Republics service demanded a bit of change for me already. But now, after things get sorted out and the future is more than just how to manage survival for most, on earth or elsewhere, serious fights for power emerge. There are voids of authority in a lot of places and we have to take great care that it’s not the wrong people just picking up what’s for grabs.

Asari have seen through many crisis and we will manage this one as well. As unfortunate or cold hearted as it sounds, being able to take a step back and look at things beyond other species individual lifetimes is still an advantage. You can let someone have immediate success, make him look like a winner even, but instead arrange for the times after already, taking your time.” She had to chuckle. Arina was taking Skylar as she would have an asari. The human’s gestures and comments made that just natural.

“I am still taken by surprise at how many mostly human diplomats can’t see that.”

She took another bite.

“But hey, let’s speak of funnier things, okay? My work is just boring really. What about you? Any more party plans, how long will you stay at all?”

Taleeze noted the joyful reaction of Skylar and was just as pleased. She felt a bit proud that the love showed and being called a ‘great match’ was something to make the day.

Politics. Taleeze of course was a member of the Intimate Services Sisterhood and had received great help from them already in her search for Freh’ya. She wondered when she ever could return anything to them.

She felt a bit sheepish now about that question about ‘celebrities’. But still, seeing them on a day to day basis took the excitement out maybe. Damn, she was a tourist and was allowed to be excited.

“Oh, that sounds cool, really! And what you say about asari perspective is very true I think.”
It reminded Taleeze in a slightly painful manner that she should address the lifetime issue with Skylar. The woman was well accustomed with the facts and may have dealt with it on occasions – actually, Taleeze wanted to find out about Sky’s ‘track record’ with asari previously. But still… this was supposed to be different, this was supposed to be it.

She hugged the human around the waist tenderly, before picking up her stuff from the counter and move to the table with Arina. The salad was deliciously salty and the coffee was a sweet revelation.

“Mmmh, superb.” She exclaimed.

“We’re going to be here for a short while, we may have to postpone more partying to our next visit most likely.” Aside from the fact that Taleeze would rather spend another evening or two or three with Skylar in their room, it was Freh’ya waiting on Nevos. Also, as she had heard from Daia, she would be on the Citadel for the Bliss soon enough again.
“Also, we have to meet with…” now, how to say this? “Home on Nevos, our other mate is waiting and we are set to go there next. We haven’t seen her in a very long time and I admit, I miss her bit. She couldn’t be here with us unfortunately because of her job. She’s training young commandos.”

There, matter of factishly. Wasn’t at all hard. But… was she too bold? Taleeze smiled and slid an arm around Skylars waist, caressing her hip, while sipping from her coffee in her left.

"Quite so," Skylar agreed, as Arina alluded to the benefits of the long-term perspective. "We have a saying, 'those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it'. Which unfortunately all too often is just a saying, the message of which is ignored. As full as our lives seem, it's the simple truth that we're influenced by centuries of history that we only know about in the abstract. There are more examples than I'd care to name of intelligent people repeating past mistakes, despite knowing full well what happened in similar circumstances before. 'That could never happen now' is a rationalisation far too easily accepted."

She took a few bites of her own hot dog - her anti-spill strategy was to bite one end off, then the other and work inwards from there - and sidled a little closer to Taleeze, enjoying the arm around her waist.

"I'm looking forward to Nevos a great deal," she murmured.

Skylar was indeed an interesting human. The time she had spent among asari must have been considerable. That or she already brought a lot of that insight with her. Arina had long since realized that humans differed greatly in how they grasped grander scope of things. They tended to be much more diverse and the examples that only focused on short term action and success seemed just more vocal and aggressive, thus reflecting on the species as a whole, but not completely justified. So she smiled at Skylar’s words, humanity would be able to be a positive influence in the galactic game. Even someone like Skylar played a part as an attorney for the IISS, where she influenced the lives of many each day.

Taleeze’s comment confused her a bit at first. She took the bite off the hot dog as an excuse to think about it and observe the couple. Old diplomatic trick at dinner talks. Just chew slowly if you need time to think.

“Oh, that’s wonderful. Nevos is a beautiful planet, I’ve been there quite often, holiday or duty, but it’s always been a pleasure.” A human and two asari. That was something Arina had never heard of before. If looking at the snuggling couple was any indication of their situation, it must be very nice.

“She’s doing important work then, express my thanks, for all its worth. The republics need to rebuild strength as well and if there are experienced commandos who can provide their guidance to the young, it’s to be appreciated.

I can very well understand now that you want be united again. But if you’re ever on the Citadel again, drop me a line, I’d like to have a night out with you, rocking the dance floor” , Arina chuckled.

“Skylar, you too of course! And please, if there’s anything I can do for you – of course, you’re mostly Terminus, bust still, we have channels – consider yourself welcome to contact me.” An instantly likable couple, Arian thought. Oh, most likely a triple.

“Actually, practicing law on Illium… I hope you don’t mind the question, but is it really as dreadful as the legends go? The bureaucracy is pretty bad here as well but the stories I hear from Illium are horrific. Maybe you can help me separate myth from the truth somewhat.”

She had to lick a drop of mustard from her fingers, before finishing off the hot-dog.

The warmth of Skylar’s body nestling into her side aroused Taleeze on the spot. Goddess, would this ever end? She hoped not. “I love you, siame.” Taleeze whispered in return, ignoring Arina for the moment.

“We’ll tell her. I think she’ll like the appreciation. She had a somewhat troublesome time since the end of the War. She has served on Thessia and that has left…. a mark on everyone who has seen it I think.” That was serious understatement but truth be told, the best Taleeze could explain since a lot of the details were still unknown to Taleeze herself. The bits she had heard had left her with cold shivers.

She also had by now finished her salad, which had been healthy and refreshing and now was getting towards the strong bottom of the sweet creamy coffee creation.

“Of course, we will. In fact I think it won’t be too long out before I... we, hopefully…” she looked at Skylar “ come to the Citadel again. There’s going to be Festival, Bliss, it’s an adult entertainment fair. Maybe nothing you’d be overly interested in but I think I’ll perform in some way or another and also it’s a good way to meet some people. I have an interest in Ariake sales now after all!” she laughed.

"Definitely 'we'," Skylar confirmed, at Taleeze's querying look to her over attending Bliss. "I'd been meaning to attend anyway. And," she looked back to Arina, "I'm sure it will be very pleasant to see you again then. I believe I spotted you on the floor, the other night - you'll pardon my attention having for the most part been drawn elsewhere," she gave Taleeze a playful nudge. "Myself I fare rather better with practiced choreography than freeform, but nevertheless I'd be gratified for a dance." She bowed her head to Arina. "And thank you, also. If I ever have need of your professional help, I'll not forget your offer."

She took another bite of her hot dog, but set it aside to consider Arina's question; one of the food's great advantages was that it could just as well be eaten when they resumed strolling as right away, so there was no rush.

"It... can be," she said thoughtfully. "Any civilised society has its underbelly, of course. Illium is... a society of stark contrasts. I've lived there several years, long enough to become familiar with, at least, my little slice of it. I've never lived elsewhere in the Terminus, but I know well people who have, and one can't avoid hearing the news. Sensationalised, of course - nothing sells newsnet subscriptions like drama - but with more than a grain of truth, as often as not. Illium by comparison has its merits. The government - the Board, that is to say - is self-interested, but rarely corrupt, certainly not endemically. Law enforcement is capable and well-resourced. The streets are safer than virtually anywhere else in the Terminus."

She shrugged, and her lips twisted slightly, as if tasting something she disliked.

"That's the pro," she admitted. "The con is what is permitted - accepted, rather, as the trade-off for Illium's prosperity. Weapons, narcotics, slavery, Illium deals in them all. Safer, better-regulated, yes. Protected from organised criminal involvement, by dint of not being criminalised in the first place. Illium trades one kind of harm for another, and while there are... certain arguments in favour, overall... I feel the question of should such a thing be done is far too readily left to the philosophers. If Illium conformed entirely to Republican interstellar law, as a trading nation in the Terminus systems, it would unquestionably be poorer. The revenues from Terminus trade are staggering - made even more so by Illium's reputation, largely deserved, as a 'safe' harbour, a place where business is done above-board, however ruthlessly. And yet, when one looks at what is permitted on Illium - the labour regulations, the trading conditions, what can be bought and sold and from whom - it's difficult to feel 'enriched' by all the obvious wealth that Nos Astra is built on."

She sighed, looking dissatisfied, then glanced at Taleeze, and a weight seemed to lift somewhat from her.

"But a society is more than its laws," she went on. "Or its leaders. Illium, the body politic, isn't something I can think of as home, not with the affection one should. But the people I've met there, the community I've been welcomed into - they are a home." She looked at Arina and smiled. "I can't think too harshly of any place where I could find such true friends."

Arina smiled happily at Skylar’s agreement.
“So that’s a date, ladies! We’ll dance. And I very much understand, as I was occupied quite a bit myself that night.” She chuckled, remembering her night with Sulla and swallowed the last of her hot-dog, as she listened to Skylar’s explanation of the inner workings of Illium.

Almost everybody she knew was partial about it really. Only the toughest opportunistic chicks were striving for influence and power there it seemed, and some of the asari embassy personal had relatives in higher positions on Illium, so too open criticism was kind of a no-go.

On the other hand that came with a lot of advantages in diplomatic relationships with the important quasi-asari world. The world of diplomacy was ever so often a world of opportunities and not of pure morale.

One could only work his own private corner to straighten it out. Just as Skylar did. In a way she had discovered a nice way to do that, making it a matter of personal relationships. True friends – or like in this case, lovers – were all you could rely on. A system like Illium wasn’t. In a way, the Republics were better in that regard but still, better depend on another person than on a system. She liked Skylar’s approach, which was not so common for a lawyer, Arina knew that!

“That sounds as if you’ve found people who define home for you. That’s very beautiful, if you ask me. I guess I… am still too fresh on the Citadel.”
Thinking about friends… she could only think about Leeta there, who probably came closest to that definition.

“So, you two met on Illium? Or… the three of you?”

“Uh, you could say that. It’s a bit more complicated than just that.”
Taleeze sighed. “After the war, Freh’ya – that’s my commando – was kind of… well, missing. She retreated herself, troubled by the things she had experienced. But I went for a search for her, I had a few clues as to where to look. While doing so I spent a considerable time on Illium. As it happened, I got employed by the Apricity, a very classy club and there I met Skylar.” Taleeze hugged her a bit closer. “We got to know each other better through some common projects, and finally, we I was realizing there was more than just a professional relationship.”

“It was a time of great insecurities and the support I received from the people on Illium was what kept me going. In a way it mirrors Skylar’s assessment. I met true friends and a true love.”
She fully hugged Skylar now, pressing her cheek against the human’s, beaming aural to aural.

“It wasn’t without quirks and doubts but when I finally discovered my lost Freh’ya I couldn’t let go of all of that. It had become much too important and it was the one chance in life. So we felt it was the right thing to try and stick together, all of us, with all the feeling we have and all the support we can give each other. I know very well how uncommon triads have become these days but sometimes you just have to look at the foremothers.

Freh’ya is on Nevos now, she‘s getting better, her PTSD gets treated and she is even getting back into her commando routine, as I already mentioned. So we will have the family together at our home there.” It started to sound like something really nice and comfortable. It felt good talking about it.